Legal Information Centre
Mental Health and the Law
Plain-language information to help you understand your rights in Nigeria's mental health system. Written for individuals, families, professionals and communities — not just lawyers.
Important notice: The information in this centre is general and educational. It is not individual medical or legal advice. Laws and their application can be complex and may vary by context. For advice about your specific situation, please consult a qualified healthcare professional or lawyer.
Find information for your situation
Topic Areas
Each section provides a plain-language summary, what the law requires, what good practice looks like and where to seek further help. Materials will be published as they are reviewed by qualified Nigerian legal and clinical specialists.
Know Your Mental Health Rights
An overview of the legal rights that apply to people in Nigeria who are experiencing mental ill-health — including the right to be treated with dignity, to receive information and to have choices respected.
Article forthcomingUnderstanding the National Mental Health Act 2021
A plain-language guide to Nigeria's National Mental Health Act 2021 — what it says, what it requires from health services and government, and why it matters for you.
Article forthcomingConsent to Treatment
Your right to be fully informed about proposed treatment and to agree or refuse — and the limited circumstances in which care may be provided without your consent.
Article forthcomingVoluntary Admission
What it means to admit yourself voluntarily to a mental health facility, what rights you retain, and how to discharge yourself.
Article forthcomingInvoluntary Admission and Treatment
The conditions and procedures that must be followed before someone can be admitted or treated without their consent — and the safeguards that apply.
Article forthcomingConfidentiality and Access to Records
Your right to privacy, when information about you can be shared, and how to request access to your health records.
Article forthcomingRestraint and Seclusion
What the law says about the use of restraint and seclusion in mental health settings — when it can and cannot be used, and how to raise concerns.
Article forthcomingComplaints and Appeals
How to raise a concern or make a formal complaint about mental health services, and what review processes exist under the law.
Article forthcomingLegal Representation and Advocacy
Your right to access a lawyer or advocate, and how legal representation works in mental health proceedings.
Article forthcomingRights of Families and Caregivers
The rights and responsibilities of families and caregivers under the National Mental Health Act 2021 — including access to information, involvement in care and support.
Article forthcomingMental Health in the Workplace
Employment rights for people experiencing mental health conditions — including protection from discrimination and the duty of reasonable adjustment.
Article forthcomingMental Health and Criminal Justice
How the criminal justice system intersects with mental health — including fitness to stand trial, mental health defences and diversion from prosecution.
Article forthcomingChildren and Young People
The specific rights and protections that apply to children and young people experiencing mental ill-health — including consent, confidentiality and the role of parents and guardians.
Article forthcomingEmergency Mental Healthcare
What should happen when someone needs urgent mental health support — and what rights apply in an emergency.
Article forthcomingHow Our Articles Are Structured
Each article in this centre follows a consistent format designed to be accessible to people without legal or clinical training. All substantive legal content is flagged for qualified Nigerian legal and clinical review before publication.
MindRights does not provide emergency services. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact emergency services. Verified Nigerian emergency, health and legal-aid contacts will be listed here once confirmed.
Have a question?
If you cannot find what you are looking for, or you want to suggest a topic we should cover, we would like to hear from you.
Contact MindRights