NAVIGATING THE UNSEEN: ADDRESSING STRUCTURAL DISCRIMINATION AND INTERSECTIONAL STIGMA IN MENTAL HEALTH RIGHTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Mental health-related stigma and discrimination remain pervasive in Nigeria, undermining the effective realisation of the right to non-discrimination for individuals with mental health conditions. While progress has been made through legal reforms and advocacy, critical gaps persist in addressing structural discrimination and intersectional stigma, areas often neglected in mainstream discourse. This study examines these grey areas by analysing systemic barriers within Nigeria’s healthcare, employment, and educational sectors, which disproportionately affect individuals with mental health conditions. It further explores how intersecting factors, such as gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and disability, compound stigma and discrimination, resulting in heightened marginalisation and social exclusion. Drawing on a doctrinal analysis of Nigerian legislation, international human rights instruments, and comparative insights from jurisdictions with progressive frameworks, the paper identifies deficiencies in existing laws and policies, including inadequate legal recognition of psychosocial disabilities, insufficient anti-discrimination safeguards, and weak enforcement mechanisms—particularly their inability to adequately address structural discrimination and intersectional stigma. Based on these findings, the paper recommends targeted reforms, including the explicit recognition of psychosocial disabilities within anti-discrimination laws, the adoption of intersectionality-focused policies, and the enhancement of enforcement mechanisms to ensure effective redress. Furthermore, it calls for robust public awareness campaigns, inclusive policymaking, and the active involvement of civil society organisations in advocacy efforts. By highlighting these underexplored dimensions and proposing practical solutions, this study bridges existing gaps and advances mental health rights in Nigeria in alignment with international standards.