Akwa Ibom Assembly Passes Landmark Mental Health Bill

On Tuesday, during a plenary session held at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in Uyo, the assembly passed a significant mental health bill. This legislation, presented by the House Committee Chairman on Health, Mose Essien, aims to establish a mental health services department to enhance the delivery of mental healthcare across the state.

The bill, which underwent a second reading and was referred to the committee for detailed scrutiny, was subject to public hearings on March 23, 2026, where stakeholders from the health sector submitted memoranda. The new law will replace the outdated Lunacy Law of 1916 and is designed to safeguard the rights of individuals with intellectual, psychosocial, and cognitive disabilities while improving access to quality mental healthcare and community-based rehabilitation.

Key provisions include guidelines for obtaining consent for treatment and the establishment of a commission to formulate regulations for mental health services. The bill was adopted following a motion by Hon.

Jerri Otu and seconded by Aniefiok Attah, with Speaker Udem Otong announcing its passage. The resolution will be transmitted to the state governor for assent.