The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has reaffirmed that mental health is a fundamental human right that every Nigerian is entitled to, calling for stronger regulation of psychotropic medicines to ensure safe and effective mental health care delivery.
Speaking at Vanguard’s 3rd Mental Health Summit held on Friday in Lagos, Adeyeye emphasised the need for transparent and coordinated oversight of controlled substances to prevent abuse while maintaining public access to quality treatment.
“Mental health is a state of well-being that enables people to cope with life’s stress,” she said. “It is a basic human right — every Nigerian is entitled to it.”
She stressed that stigma remains a major obstacle to mental health care access in Nigeria, noting that many people avoid treatment due to fear of being judged or labelled.
“People run away from drugs for mental illness because of stigma,” she said. “There are safe and effective medicines for depression, anxiety, and related conditions, but many are afraid to seek help.”
Adeyeye warned that weak regulation of psychotropic substances could lead to drug abuse, while strong oversight builds trust and ensures safety.
“Poor regulation can lead to abuse and misuse of drugs, but strong regulation protects lives and builds public confidence,” she explained.
The NAFDAC boss highlighted the agency’s youth-focused initiative, ‘Catch Them Young,’ which educates schoolchildren on drug abuse, mental health, and the importance of eliminating stigma.
“We go to schools across the country to train children. Every child becomes an ambassador against drug abuse and stigma,” she said.
“We also collaborate with faith-based organisations to create a stigma-free environment for mental health awareness.”
Adeyeye called for greater collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and the private sector to promote mental health advocacy and improve access to safe medicines.
“Collaboration across all sectors is key,” she added. “Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient society.”
According to the World Health Organisation, one in four Nigerians — nearly 50 million people — live with some form of mental illness, yet less than 10 percent receive treatment. Experts say cultural stigma, poor funding, and lack of mental health infrastructure remain major barriers to care.
Adeyeye reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring transparent, science-driven regulation that prioritises safety and supports the mental well-being of Nigerians.
“NAFDAC’s mission goes beyond regulation,” she concluded. “It’s about protecting lives and ensuring that every Nigerian has access to safe and dignified mental health care.”
