Kaduna Assembly Passes Law for Mental Healthcare

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has passebd a bill for the establishment of the Mental Health Service Department.

The bill, which aims to provide regulations to enhance mental health services and related matters in the state, was adopted at the plenary on Tuesday.

According to Haruna Barnabas, chairman of the House Committee on Health and Judiciary, the bill would give recognition to affected persons and change the narrative on drug abuse. “Those into drug abuse are perceived not to be part of the society, but with this bill, we aim to help the youths who are into drugs become useful members of society,” Mr. Barnabas said.

The legislation also recommends the amendment of the Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse, Prevention and Treatment (KADBUSA) Law No.9 of 2016.

The amended law would expand the mandate of the agency to reflect the best international practices and conventions, necessitating the renaming of the agency as the Kaduna State Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (KADSAMHSA).

Mr. Barnabas explained that the bill would strengthen the agency’s comprehensive role in managing mental health and substance abuse services in the state. “With this bill, we are committed to providing a framework that would ensure the protection of the rights of persons with psychological and cognitive disabilities, and provide them with the necessary support and services to lead fulfilling lives,” he said.

The House, presided by Speaker Yusuf Liman, unanimously adopted the committee’s report and recommendations. The passage of the bill is seen as a significant step towards addressing the mental health challenges facing the state and providing a comprehensive approach to managing substance abuse.

In related news, a bill for a law to establish the Kaduna State Senior Secondary School Education Board has scaled second reading. The bill, sponsored by Mahmud Lawal-Ismail, member representing Zaria City Constituency, is sequel to the federal government’s plans to shift from the 6-3-3-4 system to a 12-4-year education model.

Mr. Lawal-Ismail explained that the bill aims to provide a framework for the effective management of senior secondary education in the state. “The current system has been in place for decades, and it is time for us to review and update our education system to reflect the changing needs of our society,” he said.

Meanwhile, a bill to amend the Customary Courts Law No. 9 of 2001 (as amended), sponsored by Emmanuel Bako Kantiok, member representing Zonkwa Constituency, has scaled first reading. The bill seeks to review and update the customary courts law to reflect the current realities and challenges facing the state.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has been actively engaged in passing legislation aimed at addressing the social, economic, and health challenges facing the state. The passage of the mental health bill is seen as a significant achievement, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of persons with psychological and cognitive disabilities in the state.