Mental Health Is a Right — Strong Regulation Key to Public Trust, Says NAFDAC DG

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has emphasized that robust and transparent regulation of psychotropic medicines is essential for ensuring safe mental health care and building public confidence in Nigeria’s health system.

Speaking at Vanguard’s 3rd Mental Health Summit held on Friday at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Adeyeye said that effective mental health care must be supported by strict oversight of controlled substances to prevent misuse and ensure access to quality, safe medications.

“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 stated.

Prof. Adeyeye described mental health as a fundamental human right, stressing that every Nigerian deserves access to mental health care without fear or shame.

“Mental health is a basic human right — every Nigerian is entitled to it,” she affirmed.

She noted that stigma remains one of the biggest barriers preventing people from seeking help, despite the availability of effective treatment options.

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

Adeyeye warned that weak regulation can lead to widespread drug abuse and misuse, while strong, science-based regulation ensures safety, accountability, and public trust in the health system.

“Poor regulations can lead to drug abuse and misuse. Strong regulation ensures safety,” she cautioned, adding that “collaboration is key across sectors. We all work together to fulfil the mandate of the nation to stop drug abuse.”

Highlighting NAFDAC’s youth-focused initiatives, the DG revealed that the agency’s “Catch Them Young” programme is educating schoolchildren nationwide on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of mental health awareness.

“Beyond going to different places like this, we go to schools across the country to train children. That way, every child becomes an ambassador to talk about drug abuse, fight stigmatisation, and create a stigma-free environment for mental health awareness,” she explained.

Prof. Adeyeye reiterated NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerians through transparent, science-driven regulation and cross-sector partnerships that guarantee safe access to psychotropic medicines.

“We remain committed to protecting lives and ensuring that all Nigerians have access to safe, effective mental health care,” she concluded.

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