Timothy Omobude 
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Benin 2 Chapter, has reaffirmed its commitment to raising awareness about mental health issues, especially in the workplace.
Speaking at a virtual meeting held to mark the 2024 World Mental Health Day, the chapter’s president, Ehikioya Uduebo, pledged continued advocacy for the protection and well-being of workers across Nigeria.
The meeting featured discussions led by Wellington Omoregbee Ogieriakhi, a senior psychiatric nurse and former principal of the School of Basic Psychiatric Nursing at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City, along with mental health counselor Sharon Oyakhire Ekhenlen.
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The experts underscored the critical need to prioritize mental health in workplaces, highlighting its fundamental role in enhancing productivity and employee well-being.
The speakers pointed out that 70% of Nigerian workers could benefit from improved mental health policies, particularly through better remuneration aligned with the national minimum wage.
They noted that the current economic situation calls for fair treatment, job security, and rewards for hard work as well as incentives to help alleviate mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and discrimination based on gender or ethnicity.
They called on the government to play a significant role in creating a supportive working environment that promotes the mental well-being of employees.
This involves implementing policies that guarantee workers’ rights to fair pay, job security, and a robust reward system, which are essential for mitigating mental health triggers affecting many Nigerian workers.
The discussants also emphasized the urgent need for full enforcement of the Mental Health Bill 2021, passed into law on January 5, 2023.
They argued that its implementation would be instrumental in establishing safer and more supportive environments for employees facing mental health issues.
Furthermore, the NAS urged organizations to increase mental health awareness and establish supportive systems to ensure that workers feel comfortable addressing mental health concerns.
