Mental Health Is a Right, Strong Drug Oversight Critical – NAFDAC DG

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has reaffirmed that mental health is a fundamental human right and stressed the need for robust regulation of psychotropic drugs to ensure safe, stigma-free access to care in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 3rd Vanguard Mental Health Summit in Lagos, Prof. Adeyeye highlighted the critical link between mental health care and the strict oversight of controlled substances, warning that poor regulation could lead to abuse and erode public trust.

“Mental health is a state of well-being that helps people manage life’s stress. Regulation goes beyond policy it’s about protecting lives,” she said.

She noted that stigma remains a major barrier, preventing many from accessing effective medications for conditions like depression and anxiety.

“People avoid treatment due to stigma, even when effective drugs exist,” she said.

Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that strong, transparent regulation is not only essential for public safety but also for building confidence in Nigeria’s mental health system. She also called for cross-sector collaboration to address the dual challenges of drug abuse and mental health neglect.

“We must all work together to end drug abuse and support mental health,” she added.

Highlighting NAFDAC’s youth-focused efforts, she spoke about the “Catch Them Young” initiative, which targets schoolchildren nationwide to promote early education on drug misuse and mental health.

“We train students to become ambassadors against drug abuse and stigma. We also partner with faith-based groups to foster a stigma-free environment,” she said.

Prof. Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to science-driven regulation, public awareness, and ensuring safe, equitable access to mental health care for all Nigerians.