Akwa Ibom mental health law: The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a landmark bill to overhaul mental healthcare delivery, approving legislation that will replace a colonial-era law and establish a modern regulatory framework for services across the state.
The bill, which creates a Mental Health Services Department, passed third reading in plenary in Uyo after the House Committee on Health presented its report, following weeks of legislative scrutiny and stakeholder engagement.
Chairman of the committee, Moses Essien, said the new law would provide a coordinated system for mental healthcare and formally repeal the Lunacy Law of 1916, widely regarded as outdated and inconsistent with contemporary standards.
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According to him, the legislation is designed to protect the rights of persons with intellectual, psychosocial, and cognitive disabilities, while expanding access to quality treatment, rehabilitation, and community-based care.
“This new law will safeguard the rights of vulnerable persons and improve access to modern mental healthcare services,” Essien said.
The bill had earlier passed second reading and was then subjected to detailed review, including a public hearing held on March 23, 2026, at which stakeholders in the health sector submitted memoranda.
Lawmakers later dissolved into a Committee of the Whole to consider the bill clause by clause before adopting the report.
The motion for its passage was moved by Jerry Otu and seconded by Aniefiok Attah.
Speaker Udeme Otong subsequently announced its passage and directed the Clerk of the House, Nsiakak Orok, to transmit the bill to the governor for assent.
Key provisions of the legislation include clear guidelines on consent for treatment and powers granted to the Commissioner for Health to formulate regulations guiding mental health services in the state.
Essien described the measure as a turning point, noting that it introduces a more humane and rights-based approach to mental healthcare.
