Kaduna: The Kaduna State House of Assembly has approved a bill aimed at establishing the Mental Health Service Department, a move designed to enhance the protection of individuals with psychological and cognitive disabilities. The legislation is also set to introduce regulations to improve mental health services and related issues within the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the bill’s progression follows the adoption of a report presented at the plenary by Haruna Barnabas, Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Judiciary. Barnabas also proposed amendments to the Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse, Prevention and Treatment (KADBUSA) Law No.9 of 2016. He emphasized that the bill would give recognition to affected individuals and shift perceptions regarding drug abuse, aiming to integrate those affected back into society.
Barnabas highlighted that the bill seeks to establish an agency dedicated to managing mental health crises and to rehabilitate youths involved in substance abuse, making them productive members of Kaduna State. He noted the expanded mandate reflects international best practices, suggesting a renaming of the agency to Kaduna State Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (KADSAMHSA).
The assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Yusuf Liman, unanimously supported the committee’s report and recommendations.
In related legislative developments, a bill to establish the Kaduna State Senior Secondary School Education Board has moved to its second reading. This bill, sponsored by Mr. Mahmud Lawal-Ismail of the Zaria City Constituency, aligns with the Federal Government’s educational restructuring plans. Additionally, a bill to amend the Customary Courts Law No. 9 of 2001, sponsored by Emmanuel Bako Kantiok of the Zonkwa Constituency, has passed its first reading.
