PROVIDE CONDUCIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT — MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT TELLS EMPLOYERS

REPORTER: JOHN MADUAGWU

Employers of labour have been advised to provide a conducive work environment for Nigerian workers to enhance their mental well being and productivity.

A mental health expert, the Reverend Kenneth Nwaubani, made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria on this year’s World Mental Health Day.

The Reverend Nwaubani who is the Director of a community mental health foundation in Abia State, noted that this was important given the state of the economy, which had made it difficult for the average Nigerian family to survive, a situation which could lead to depression and reduced productivity.

He urged state government and private sector employers of labour who were yet to implement the new minimum wage to do so urgently to ease the pressure on Nigerian workers while other measures should be adopted to improve the situation in the country.

The Reverend Nwaubani said it was necessary to map out a day to talk about mental health on a global scale, given the level of discrimination people dealing with mental health issues were facing.

This is in order to raise proper awareness and mobilize resources and support for those facing the challenge.

He commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Mental Health Bill into law and appealed to the President Bola Tinubu and the Governors to ensure implementation of the law and domestication at the state level.

The World Mental Health Day is observed annually on the 10th of October and the theme of event this year is “Work place mental health,” to highlight the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations, and communities.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU