The Federal Government has begun the process of decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria following approval by the Federal Executive Council of a proposal from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The proposed reform will now move to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process. The government says the move is aimed at changing the response to people experiencing mental health crises from punishment to care, support and appropriate intervention.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said criminal sanctions can discourage people in distress from seeking help and may increase the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. He argued that individuals experiencing such crises should receive medical and psychological support rather than punishment...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The proposed decriminalisation is also being presented as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s mental health system. The government says removing criminal penalties alone will not prevent suicide and that greater investment is still needed in mental health services, early intervention, community support and public awareness.
A National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide has also been involved in consultations with government institutions, mental health professionals, civil society groups and other stakeholders as the reform moves forward.
The development marks a significant shift in how Nigeria may legally respond to people who survive suicide attempts. If approved by the National Assembly, the proposed reform would move the focus away from criminal punishment and towards treatment, protection and support for people experiencing severe mental health distress.
The Federal Government has also linked the reform to existing mental health policies and laws designed to improve access to care and protect people experiencing mental health challenges. The initiative is expected to form part of wider efforts to reduce suicide and strengthen the country’s approach to prevention and mental healthcare.
For families and communities, the proposed change could also encourage more people experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe emotional distress to seek professional help without the fear of being treated as criminals. However, the success of the reform will ultimately depend on the availability of accessible mental health services and sustained investment in prevention and treatment.
The proposal now awaits legislative consideration, making the National Assembly the next major stage in the Federal Government’s effort to change Nigeria’s legal approach to attempted suicide.
