Stakeholders comprising health experts, consultants, academicians, psychiatrists, nurses, and other professionals have identified security challenges, underfunding, and cultural misconceptions as major barriers to accessing and sustaining mental health services across Borno State and the wider North East region.
The observations were made during the 2025 World Mental Health Day Commemoration Seminar held on Thursday at the Zulum Hall, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) Conference Centre.
The event brought together mental health advocates who highlighted the severe impact of the ongoing conflict in the region on psychological wellbeing, with over 75% of the traumatized population unable to access mental health services or even unaware of their existence.
Security and Underfunding Top List of Challenges
Participants unanimously pointed to persistent insecurity in Borno and neighbouring states like Yobe and Adamawa as a key factor disrupting access to mental health services.
“Security challenges have truncated accessibility and sustainability of mental health services in various communities across the 27 local government areas of Borno State,” a speaker noted during the panel discussion.
They also cited poor funding, lack of trained personnel, inadequate infrastructure, and the absence of regular training as major issues stalling the effective implementation of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP).
“Mental health interventions are often underfunded. Stakeholders continue to advocate, but the absence of resources and personnel development is a significant setback,” one mental health coordinator remarked.
Cultural Beliefs Hindering Progress
Speakers also criticized the role of spiritual and religious misconceptions, which they said have frustrated government and partner efforts.
“Many affected individuals still see mental illness as spiritual possession or madness. This belief system prevents them from seeking professional help,” said a community health worker.
The stakeholders emphasized the urgent need to involve community, traditional, and religious leaders in mobilization, awareness campaigns, and public education on the realities and dangers of untreated mental health conditions.
Government Response and Call for Action
Representing the Borno State Commissioner for Health & Human Services, Dr. Goni Imam, Director of Public Health, said the state government has responded by raising the annual health budget from ₦9 billion to ₦14 billion, with a special focus on mental health and psychosocial support.
“There is need for special concern and care to bridge the gap on access to mental health in the region, especially in curtailing drug abuse and psychosocial illnesses,” Dr. Imam said.
He also announced the construction of additional mental health facilities outside Maiduguri to improve service coverage across the state’s three senatorial districts.
“Despite having a 29% partner capacity in Borno, there is still much to be done in coordination and access to mental health services,” he added.
The Chairman of the Association of Mental Health and Psychiatric Workers in Borno, Malam Mohammed Dauda, called for intensified efforts in advocacy, teamwork, and public sensitization.
Dr. Falmata Baba Shettima, representing the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Psychiatric Hospital, urged stakeholders to double down on public awareness campaigns, stating, “The theme of this year’s Mental Health Day reflects the current reality in Borno State more than anywhere else in the region.”
Mr. Juan Carlos Artbaga, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Program Manager with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), disclosed that 65% of mental health services in the region have been destroyed due to conflict, and 71% of affected individuals still lack access to care.
He called for increased government and partner investment in rebuilding mental health infrastructure and training.
Dr. Abubakar Abiso Mohammed, representing UMTH Chief Medical Director Professor Ahmed Ahijo, stated that the hospital is leading efforts in three key areas: training, research, and the provision of community-based mental health services.
“The UMTH will continue to offer support, training, and facilities needed to meet the mental health needs of the population,” he assured.
Malam Ibrahim Jiddari, a humanitarian services consultant, pledged continued support from civil society organizations to ensure grassroots implementation of mental health laws and services.
Community leader Alhaji Abba Kyari emphasized the critical role of traditional institutions in demystifying mental illness and educating people.
“Many still go to traditional or spiritual healers believing mental illness is madness, not a medical issue,” Kyari lamented, urging that more be done to engage local influencers.
The seminar concluded with key recommendations; increased funding and logistics for mental health services; regular training and capacity building for health workers; itegration of mental health in emergency response systems; community engagement and decentralization of services and monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation of government policies.
The stakeholders stressed the need for continuous collaboration between government, NGOs, and communities to build a sustainable mental healthcare system that meets the needs of conflict-affected populations.
