A cross section of participants, who attended the workshop in Maiduguri
In a significant push to strengthen mental health services in post-conflict regions, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services, hosted a two-day stakeholders' engagement in Maiduguri to mark the 2025 World Mental Health Day. The event, themed: " _Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,"_ was held at the MHPSS Hall of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Health, Professor Umar Ali Pate, the National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme, Dr. Ojo Tunde Mosseyperguson, acknowledged the commitment of all stakeholders in advancing mental health care.
He urged increased collaboration, efficient use of available mental health facilities, and consistent efforts in addressing the mental health challenges left in the wake of the Boko Haram insurgency.
"Although the conflict is largely under control, its psychological aftermath remains. We must ensure that those affected get the help they need," Dr. Tunde said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to supporting mental health stakeholders through improved accessibility, public awareness, and inclusive policies free from discrimination.
Also addressing participants, Borno State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Malam Baba Gana -- represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Goni Imam -- highlighted the state government's proactive approach in tackling mental health challenges, citing the establishment of psychosocial clinics and deployment of trained personnel to support victims of trauma.
The commissioner emphasized the role of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum's administration in prioritizing mental health interventions, and pledged continued collaboration with both federal authorities and development partners.
Dr. Tunde, the National Coordinator, explained that Maiduguri was deliberately chosen for the workshop due to its significance as the epicenter of a decade-long conflict.
According to him, hosting the event in the affected region allowed for a more practical and localized understanding of mental health challenges, which would not have been possible in Abuja or Lagos.
The workshop served as a platform for mental health professionals, humanitarian actors, and government officials to explore real-time challenges, share field experiences, and craft evidence-based strategies for improving mental health services. Participants conducted advocacy visits to mental health institutions and engaged in site tours to better understand existing service gaps and opportunities.
The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Dr. Baba Umar Musami, underscored the importance of accessibility, coordination, and sustainability in mental health service delivery.
He highlighted the role of partnerships -- especially with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and other institutions -- in expanding the reach and impact of mental health interventions.
The World Health Organization's Borno State Coordinator, Dr. Moisule Hussaini Ganga, reaffirmed WHO's ongoing commitment to supporting mental health efforts in the state.
He called on all stakeholders to remain active and committed to addressing the psychological scars left by the prolonged crisis.
Traditional leader, the District Head of Dusuman, Alhaji Abba Kyari, praised the initiative, describing the workshop as "timely and necessary" for addressing the lingering psychological distress in affected communities.
He urged that the reach of mental health services be extended to the most remote and underserved areas.
Participants were drawn from various local and international organizations including IOM, ICRC, UNICEF, WHO, Action Against Hunger, International Rescue Committee, Johnson & Johnson, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), and JDPI, among others.
Goodwill messages came from State Mental Health Desk Officers of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, all affirming their commitment to scaling up mental health interventions.
Recommendations focused on improving accessibility, promoting awareness, strengthening coordination, and ensuring accountability in mental health service delivery across the region.
Among key presentations was a keynote paper titled " _MHPSS Response in North-East Nigeria: The Past, Present, and Future,"_ which provided a comprehensive review of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) initiatives in the region. Other sessions addressed stakeholder mapping using the 4Ws Matrix (Who, Where, When, What), the domestication of mental health laws at the state level, and strategies for ensuring sustainability and stronger coordination moving forward.
As the workshop concluded, stakeholders committed to deepening partnerships, increasing funding, and scaling up interventions to ensure that mental health services become accessible, effective, and inclusive for all -- especially those who have endured the trauma of a decade-long conflict.