Project Context and Scope
Nigeriaโs mental health system has long suffered from a large treatment gap, only about 10% of individuals diagnosed with mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders receive appropriate care annually. Historically, services were concentrated in a few tertiary psychiatric hospitals and specialist clinics, with minimal integration into primary health care. Community-based services and psychosocial support were limited, contributing to unmet needs, stigma, human-rights abuses, and weak referral pathways.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW), through the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), is leading national efforts to strengthen mental health systems in line with the Mental Health Act (2021), the National Mental Health Policy (2023), and the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework (2023โ2030).
While these foundational documents provide a strong policy direction, implementation has been severely hindered by the complete absence of a costed strategic plan that prioritizes interventions, defines stakeholder responsibilities, outlines funding needs, and sets achievable timelines. A critical gap that has persisted across all previous policies and continues to undermine meaningful progress.To address this, the NMHP seeks to engage a consultant to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based, zero draft of costed Strategic Action Plan for Mental Health in Nigeria (2025โ2030).
This consultancy will be funded by the European Union (EU) through the project โSupport to migration Governance in Nigeriaโ being implemented by IOM. This intervention aims to strengthen Nigeriaโs migration governance at federal, state and local levels. By developing a costed strategic plan for mental health, the assignment complements the projectโs broader objectives of improving migration governance structures and coordination. A robust, budgeted mental-health plan will enhance the countryโs ability to support returnees, stranded migrants and victims of trafficking or smuggling, while ensuring psychosocial wellbeing is embedded in migration policies and service delivery. In doing so, it reinforces policy development, institutional capacity and the provision of comprehensive social and economic alternatives that underpin effective migration governance.
ย Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributingMental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
ย Tasks to be performed under this contract
The consultant will undertake the following activities:
Conduct a desk review of relevant existing mental health policies, legislation, reports, and global best practices, strategies, and data sources in Nigeria, including international obligations under frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Conduct a situational analysis, assessing service availability, workforce capacity, funding levels, and barriers such as stigma and coercion in care.
Identify key priority areas and interventions for mental health, psychosocial support, and substance use disorder response in Nigeria.
Develop a results framework with clear goals, objectives, outputs, and outcomes.
Estimate cost implications of proposed interventions and develop a comprehensive financing plan.
Produce a zero draft of costed Strategic Action Plan (2025โ2030) aligned with the National Health Sector Strategic Development Plan and SDG targets.
Facilitate a 5-day review of the zero draft of National Mental Health Strategic Plan 2025-2030 with stakeholder (government MDAs, CSOs, academia, professional associations, service users, partners, and development agencies).ย Performance indicators for the evaluation of resultsย
Activity
Timeline
Start of the consultancy at IOM Nigeria
2 Feb-3 April 2026
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Inception Report (detailing methodology, workplan, and timelines).
Deliverable: Payment of 25% amount of total consultancy service fees upon submission of inception report approved by NMHP.
1st Deliverable โ by 16 Feb 2026
- Desk review and Situation Analysis Report (review of current mental health landscape, gaps, and opportunities).
- Identify key priority areas of intervention.
- Produce zero draft of the Strategic Action Plan (with results framework, costing, and financing strategy).
Deliverable: Payment of additional 50% total consultancy service fees upon submission of zero draftย of the Strategic Action Planย and approval byย NMHP.
2nd Deliverable โ by 13 March 2026
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- Convene stakeholder engagement meeting to review zero draft of the strategic action plan and submit meeting report.
Deliverable: third instalment (25%) of payment for consultancy service fees to be made upon submission of stakeholders review meeting report and approval by the NMHP.
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3rd Deliverable โ by 3 April
THE CONSULTANT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:
All the deliverables as set out in the ToR.
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CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT:
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Upon the advertisement of the Consultancy Notice, qualified individual consultants are expected to submit:
CV/Resume, indicating all experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the candidate and at least three (3) professional references.
Technical Proposal (Narrative) detailing methodology approach for the consultancy.
Submission of previous works or consultancies worked on is required.
*Pre-selected candidates will be called for interviews.
*Applications without an adequate set of documents will not be considered in the selection process
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EducationAn advanced degree in Public Health, Health Policy, Health Economics, Mental Health, or related fields.Experience
At least 10 yearsโ experience in health systems strengthening, policy development, and strategic planning.
Demonstrated expertise in costing and developing national strategic plans in health or related sectors.
Proven experience in working with government, development partners, and multi-sectoral stakeholders.
Strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills.Languages
- English LanguageIOMโs official languages are English, French and Spanish.Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.ย Travel required
- As and when required in line with the contract (to be covered by IOM).
Required Competenciesย IOMโs competency framework can be found atย this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.ย Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.