Nigeria Launches National Youth Mental Health Policy

The Federal Government of Nigeria is intensifying efforts to develop a national youth mental health policy aimed at addressing the growing burden of mental health challenges among adolescents and young people. Ayodel Olawand, the Minister of Youth Development, disclosed this initiative on Wednesday during a national legislative roundtable focused on teen youth mental health in Abuja.

The roundtable included members of the National Assembly, such as Hon. Ib Okwara Osonwa and Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, and emphasized the need for coordinated actions to safeguard the well-being of young Nigerians. Recommendations from the roundtable advocate for policies that reflect the realities and aspirations of Nigerian adolescents, aligning with the World Health Organization's global framework.

Rosemari Ochiwu, the founder and executive director of Initi Self Esteem Educ Advocacy, warned that mental health challenges among adolescents have reached alarming levels, with nearly 11 million Nigerian adolescents currently living with mental health conditions. The initiative seeks to prioritize early intervention and equitable access to mental healthcare.