By Asuquo Edem
At a time when the world is grappling with silent battles of the mind—stress, depression, anxiety, and social dislocation—Akwa Ibom State is taking a decisive legislative step that could reshape its public health landscape for generations. At the centre of this bold move is Moses Essien, Chairman of the House Committee on Health, whose presentation of the Mental Health Services Bill report signals a shift from neglect to necessity.
What may appear, at first glance, as a routine legislative document is in fact a carefully structured response to one of the most pressing yet under-addressed issues of our time: mental health.
The proposed law seeks to establish a Mental Health Services Department in Akwa Ibom State—an institutional framework designed not only to regulate care but to protect the dignity and rights of individuals living with mental health conditions.
In today’s fast-evolving world, the pressures are unmistakable. Economic strain, family instability, digital overload, and societal expectations have combined to create a mental health burden that can no longer be ignored. Across communities, many suffer in silence, constrained not just by limited access to care but by deep-rooted stigma.
This is the gap the Bill aims to close.
In presenting the committee’s report, Hon. Moses Essien did more than outline legislative observations—he framed a vision. A vision where mental health is no longer treated as an afterthought, but as a core component of governance and human development.
The document highlights the need for a coherent, unified response to mental health service delivery. This is critical. For too long, interventions have been fragmented, reactive, and largely inaccessible to those who need them most. By proposing an integrated system, the Bill lays the foundation for efficiency, coordination, and sustainability.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the report is its strong human rights perspective. It acknowledges that beyond medical care, individuals living with mental health conditions often face discrimination, exclusion, and stigma.
By recommending the inclusion of “stigmatisation” alongside discrimination in the law, the committee underscores a powerful truth: the fight for mental health is also a fight for dignity.
Even more symbolic is the move to replace the term “imprisonment” with “confinement.” This subtle but significant shift reflects a broader rethinking—moving away from criminalising mental illness toward understanding and treatment.
The Bill also introduces critical safeguards, particularly in cases where individuals are unable to give informed consent. It ensures that decisions made on their behalf are subject to medical review and guided strictly by their best interest.
This is a major step toward ethical accountability in mental health care—an area where abuses and neglect have historically gone unchecked.
Another standout feature is the emphasis on community-based mental health services. By decentralising care and bringing it closer to the people, the Bill aligns with global best practices that prioritise early intervention and inclusivity.
For a state like Akwa Ibom, this could mean the difference between isolated suffering and accessible support—between neglect and recovery.
Equally noteworthy is the proposed repeal of the Lunacy Law of 1916, a relic of colonial legislation that has long outlived its relevance. Replacing such outdated laws with progressive, rights-based frameworks is not just necessary—it is overdue.
While the report represents a significant milestone, its true impact will depend on what follows. Laws alone do not transform societies—implementation does.
This is where government must rise to the occasion. Funding, workforce development, public awareness, and integration into primary healthcare are all essential components that must accompany the Bill.
Hon. Moses Essien’s leadership in steering this initiative through the legislative process places a responsibility on the executive to match vision with action.
This moment presents Akwa Ibom State with a rare opportunity—to lead, to innovate, and to set a standard for others. In recognising mental health as a priority, the state is not only addressing a critical health issue but investing in the productivity, stability, and wellbeing of its people.
As the world continues to evolve, one thing is clear: societies that prioritise mental health are better equipped to thrive.
Through this Bill, and through the efforts of leaders like Hon. Moses Essien, Akwa Ibom is taking a bold step in that direction.
And in doing so, it sends a powerful message—that every mind matters, and every life deserves care, dignity, and protection.
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