Strong regulation is vital to ensure safe access to mental health – Adeyeye

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, on Friday said that strong and transparent regulation of psychotropic medicines is vital for building public trust and ensuring safe access to mental health care in Nigeria.

Adeyeye stated this during Vanguard’s 3rd Mental Health Summit at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos,  stressed that mental health care must go hand in hand with strict oversight of controlled substances to prevent abuse and guarantee the availability of safe, effective medicines.

According to him, “Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stress of life.

NAFDAC’s mission goes beyond regulation; it’s about protecting lives,” she said.

Prof. Adeyeye stressed that mental health is a basic human right that every Nigerian is entitled to, noting that no one should be denied access to care or made to feel ashamed for seeking help.

“Mental health is a basic human right. Every Nigerian is entitled to it,” she stated.

She noted that stigma remains a major barrier to mental health care access, discouraging many from seeking medical help despite the availability of effective drugs.

“People run away from drugs for mental illness because of stigma. There are drugs for depression, anxiety and others along the line,” she said.

The NAFDAC DG warned that poor regulation can lead to drug abuse and misuse, while strong regulation ensures public safety and builds trust in mental health care.

“Poor regulations can lead to drug abuse and misuse. Strong regulation ensures safety,” she said, stressing that collaboration across all sectors is essential in achieving national goals around drug control and mental health advocacy.