Clinical Psychologists Seek Greater Investment in Mental Health Services for Victims of Insecurity
Yemi Kosoko in Jos Amid growing concerns over the psychological toll of insecurity, displacement and humanitarian crises across Nigeria, the Nigeria Association of Clinical Psychologists (NACP) has called for increased
Amid rising concerns over the psychological strain caused by insecurity, displacement, and humanitarian crises in Nigeria, the Nigeria Association of Clinical Psychologists (NACP) is demanding greater government investment in mental health services and psychosocial support programs. The association made its plea during its annual national congress and scientific conference in Jos, Plateau State, where specialists, academics, policymakers, and humanitarian workers convened to explore clinical psychology's role in bolstering resilience and healing in crisis-affected communities.
The conference focused on the transition from trauma to resilience and emphasized the importance of integrating psychological care into humanitarian interventions. Nigeria's Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, stressed that merely distributing relief materials is insufficient to address the impact of trauma on affected populations.
He emphasized that humanitarian efforts must proactively identify traumatized individuals and communities and provide them with necessary psychological support for lasting recovery. Dr. Doro highlighted that women, children, and other vulnerable groups have suffered disproportionately in Plateau State, where repeated attacks have inflicted deep psychological wounds on many communities.
NACP President, Prof. Gloria Karuri, stressed the need to prioritize mental health, warning that failing to address psychological well-being could exacerbate existing mental health issues within society. During the conference's opening remarks, conference chairman Mr. John Gana noted that conflicts, insecurity, displacement, and humanitarian emergencies have exposed communities to severe psychological distress.
He called for stronger collaborations between researchers and practitioners, advocating that scientific findings should be converted into actionable interventions capable of tackling real-world humanitarian challenges.
Dr. Evans Binan Dami, a humanitarian clinical psychologist, delivered the keynote address, identifying extreme poverty, social dislocation, increasing numbers of out-of-school children, ongoing attacks, and inadequate parenting as key factors undermining community resilience. He also lamented the scarcity of mental health services in many parts of the country and advocated for the incorporation of psychological care into social welfare programs and community-based initiatives.
He urged governments at all levels to develop and implement policies aimed at addressing emerging mental health challenges, particularly among vulnerable groups affected by violence and displacement. Conference participants agreed that enhancing mental health services and ensuring that research informs practice would be crucial in helping individuals and communities transition from trauma to healing and resilience.
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