Kaduna, Nigeria — In a landmark move to bolster public health infrastructure, the Kaduna State House of Assembly has passed a bill establishing a dedicated Mental Health Services Department, signaling a significant commitment to improving mental health care across the state.
The legislation, passed during a recent plenary session, was introduced by Hon. Haruna Barnabas, Chairman of the House Committee on Health and representative of the Kauru/Chawai Constituency. In his presentation, Barnabas underscored the urgent need to prioritize mental health, particularly in the face of growing psychosocial challenges and substance abuse issues affecting Kaduna’s youth.
“This department will play a crucial role in protecting the rights of individuals with intellectual, psychosocial, or cognitive disabilities,” Barnabas said. “It will also help reshape societal attitudes toward drug addiction by promoting empathy, support, and rehabilitation rather than stigma.”
Addressing Mental Health and Drug Abuse
The newly established department will operate under the expanded mandate of the Kaduna State Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (KADSAMHSA)—formerly known as the Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse Agency (KADBUSA). The renaming aligns the agency’s scope with international standards and reflects a broader focus on comprehensive mental health care and substance abuse prevention.
Barnabas noted that the agency will serve as a pivotal institution in addressing the state’s mental health crisis, particularly among young people battling addiction. By offering structured support services and recovery programs, the initiative aims to reintegrate affected individuals into society as empowered and productive citizens.
Legislative Support and Broader Reform Agenda
The bill was unanimously adopted by lawmakers, with Speaker of the House, Hon. Yusuf Liman, officially declaring its passage. The wide consensus among Assembly members highlights the political will to address mental health issues as a public health and social development priority.
In addition to the mental health legislation, the Assembly also advanced two other significant education and legal reform bills:
A bill for the establishment of the Kaduna State Senior Secondary School Education Board passed its second reading. Hon. Mahmud Ismail, representing Zaria City Constituency, explained that the board will support the Federal Government’s proposed transition from the 6-3-3-4 education model to a 12-4 year structure, enhancing the quality and consistency of secondary education in the state.
A separate bill sponsored by Hon. Bako Kantiok of the Zonkwa Constituency, seeking to amend the Customary Courts Law No. 9 of 2021, successfully completed its first reading. This amendment aims to improve access to justice and strengthen legal frameworks at the grassroots level.
Comprehensive Vision for Youth and Community Well-being
The Kaduna State House of Assembly’s latest legislative activity underscores its proactive approach to addressing pressing issues affecting the state’s youth and broader community. By strengthening institutions in mental health, education, and judicial services, the Assembly is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and resilient society.
The creation of the Mental Health Services Department is expected to be a transformative step, integrating care, compassion, and modern health practices to serve the people of Kaduna State more effectively.
