The Federal Government says artificial intelligence must support, not replace, healthcare professionals as Nigeria explores technology to expand access to mental health services.
The Federal Government has called for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental healthcare, warning that technological innovation must be guided by ethical standards, patient privacy and professional oversight.
The call comes amid growing efforts to deploy AI-powered tools to improve mental health screening, identify people who need support and strengthen access to treatment, particularly in underserved communities.
Health stakeholders have stressed that while AI could help address gaps in Nigeria’s mental healthcare system, it must not replace the human connection between patients and qualified healthcare professionals.
At the launch of the GENSCORE Project, an initiative exploring the use of AI and African languages in mental health screening, experts emphasised the importance of developing technology that reflects local languages, cultures and lived experiences.
The project is supported by the Wellcome Trust, with Google and GOOEY.AI as technology partners. It is led by the Slum and Rural Health Initiative in collaboration with Imperial College London, the University of Ibadan and the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.
Dr Isaac Olufadewa, executive director of the Slum and Rural Health Initiative, said AI systems must reflect the cultural realities of African communities to make mental health interventions more effective.
He cautioned that technology should not undermine the relationship between healthcare providers and those seeking assistance.
The project focuses on languages including Yoruba, Hausa and Nigerian Pidgin, recognising that people often express emotional distress in ways that require an understanding of their cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
The Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, said AI could improve access to mental health screening, particularly in communities with limited access to specialist services.
However, he stressed that technology could not replace the therapeutic relationship between a healthcare professional and a patient.
Protecting patients and personal data
The Director of Nursing and Head of the Coordinating Unit of the National Mental Health Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Grace Ogunleye, said AI could strengthen the capacity of nurses and other healthcare workers to identify people who may require mental health support.
She said the technology should protect human dignity while improving access to professional care.
Similarly, Hasana Baraya of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency highlighted the potential of AI-powered tools to support mental health identification and referral through primary healthcare facilities.
She said digital tools could help frontline health workers conduct preliminary screening, identify gaps in service delivery and improve evidence-based planning.
However, stakeholders called for clear implementation guidelines, stronger data protection measures, community participation and adequate training for healthcare workers.
The concerns come as the Federal Government moves towards developing sector-specific regulations for AI in healthcare, with an emphasis on patient privacy, transparency, ethical standards and accountability.
Can AI bridge Nigeria’s mental healthcare gap?
Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in providing accessible mental healthcare, including shortages of specialists, limited funding and stigma surrounding mental illness.
AI-powered screening and support tools could help people identify symptoms earlier and connect them with appropriate services. However, experts warn that inaccurate assessments, inadequate privacy protections and excessive reliance on automated advice could put vulnerable people at risk.
Stakeholders say the technology must therefore complement qualified professionals rather than serve as a substitute for diagnosis, treatment or emergency care.
They have called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, researchers, technology developers and healthcare providers to ensure that AI-driven solutions are safe, culturally appropriate and accessible to Nigerians across different communities.
The government’s challenge will be to harness the potential of AI while ensuring that innovation does not come at the expense of patient safety, privacy and quality care.
