Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a significant bill establishing a Mental Health Services Department as part of efforts to improve psychiatric healthcare across the state.
The legislation, seen as a major step towards modernising mental health care, followed the adoption of a report presented by Moses Essien, the House Committee Chairman on Health, during plenary.
The bill had previously undergone a second reading on March 10, 2026, before being referred to the committee for detailed examination.
In accordance with legislative procedures, the committee held a public hearing on March 23, 2026, inviting memoranda from stakeholders in the health sector.
Presenting the report during plenary, Essien, who is also a member of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, explained that the law provides a coordinated framework for mental health services in Akwa Ibom State.
He stated that the new law will protect the rights of persons with intellectual, psychosocial, and cognitive disabilities and will enhance access to quality mental healthcare, rehabilitation, and community-based treatment.
Key provisions of the legislation include guidelines for obtaining consent for treatment, empowering the Commissioner for Health to formulate necessary regulations, and repealing the outdated Lunacy Law of 1916.
Essien praised the speaker and members of the house for their support and urged colleagues to adopt the committee’s recommendations.
Following discussions, the house dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for a clause-by-clause review of the bill.
The report was subsequently adopted, and the bill was passed after its third reading.
Udeme Otong, the speaker of the 26-member assembly, announced the passage of the bill after a motion for adoption was moved by Jerry Otu and seconded by Prince Aniefiok Attah. He directed the Clerk of the House, Nsiakak Abasi Orok, to transmit the resolution to Governor Umo Eno for assent.
Commenting on the impact of the new bill, Essien said, “The new law is expected to usher in a more humane, structured, and rights-based approach to mental healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom State.”
It is a common sight across many parts of the state to see individuals with mental health challenges wandering the streets, which underscores the need for clear legislation on healthcare services to improve mental health support.
