Niger State prioritises integrating mental healthcare into primary health centres

Niger State is prioritising the integration of mental healthcare into primary health centres to bring assessments, counselling and referrals closer to residents. Health Commissioner Dr Murtala Muhammad Bagana, speaking through Permanent Secretary Dr Abdullahi Imam at the 2026 World Mental Health Day briefing, said existing records do not fully show the scale of mental health challenges. Insecurity, displacement, family difficulties and substance-related problems contribute to psychological distress, and the government plans to strengthen routine reporting and community-level assessments. Bagana also called for more funding, trained professionals and functional referral systems, and urged residents to reject stigma and discrimination.