FG To Establish Brain Health Desk, Develop Nigeria’s First National Brain Health Agenda

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a Brain Health Desk under the National Mental Health Programme and develop Nigeria’s first National Brain Health Agenda to strengthen the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care of neurological disorders.

The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, during the commemoration of World Brain Day 2026 in Abuja on Wednesday.

The event was held under the theme, “Brain Health: Access for All.”
Kachollom said the new Brain Health Desk would provide national leadership on brain health.

It will also coordinate policy development, research, advocacy, surveillance, workforce training and partnerships with government agencies, teaching hospitals, professional bodies, academia, development partners, civil society and the private sector.

She also disclosed that the proposed National Brain Health Agenda would serve as a strategic framework for improving governance, expanding access to neurological services, strengthening healthcare capacity, promoting research and innovation, and fostering collaboration.

The agenda will align with the World Health Organisation’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (2022–2031) while addressing Nigeria’s specific needs.

According to the Permanent Secretary, neurological disorders affect more than 3.4 billion people globally and are now the leading cause of disability.

She noted that Nigeria continues to experience a growing burden from conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injuries and neurodevelopmental disorders, many of which are linked to mental health conditions including depression and anxiety.

She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving brain and mental healthcare through the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

She added that World Brain Day will now be included in the Ministry’s annual health commemorations calendar to sustain public awareness.

Kachollom called on healthcare professionals, development partners, civil society groups, the private sector, traditional and religious leaders, the media and Nigerians to work together to reduce stigma, promote healthy lifestyles, encourage early diagnosis and improve access to rehabilitation services, essential medicines and assistive technologies.

“Investing in brain health is not only a health imperative; it is an economic imperative. By protecting brain health across the life course, we unlock human potential, strengthen productivity, foster innovation and lay the foundation for a thriving brain economy,” she said.

Earlier, the Director of Public Health, Dr Charles Nzelu, described brain health as essential for learning, productivity, healthy ageing and national development, noting that stroke remains a leading cause of death and long-term disability in Nigeria.

National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme, Dr Tunde Masseyferguson Ojo, welcomed participants and acknowledged the Ministry’s commitment to advancing mental and brain health.

Also speaking, Founder of Brain and Spine Foundation Africa, Engineer Chika Okwuolisa, described the official commemoration of World Brain Day by the Ministry as a landmark achievement, saying it was the first time Nigeria had formally marked the event at the national level.

She urged stakeholders to translate the renewed commitment into sustained investment, stronger policies and wider access to quality neurological care.