FG Moves To Decriminalise Attempted Suicide, Says Punishment Must Give Way To Care –
Federal Government Advances Movement to Decriminalize Attempted Suicide in Nigeria
Abuja – The Federal Executive Council has approved a proposal from the Health Ministry to decriminalize attempted suicide in Nigeria, setting the stage for potential legislative action. This announcement was made by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, on Thursday during an event marking World Suicide Prevention Day.
Represented by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, Salako indicated that the proposal will now be forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration. He described the reform as a necessary shift towards treating mental health crises with care, rather than punishment.
“A person experiencing a mental health crisis should be met with care, support, and appropriate intervention, rather than punishment,” Salako stated. He emphasized that eliminating criminal penalties for suicide attempts could help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help.
Salako acknowledged that while legal reform is crucial, it is not a standalone solution to preventing suicide. He called for increased investment in mental health services, early identification and intervention strategies, community support programs, and public awareness campaigns.
“We must continue to strengthen mental health services, expand access to quality care, promote early identification and intervention, and foster open conversations that replace fear and discrimination with empathy and hope,” he added.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s mental health framework. Key documents guiding the government’s approach include the National Mental Health Act of 2021, the National Mental Health Policy of 2023, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework for 2023-2030.
Salako also announced the establishment of a National Task Force on the Decriminalization of Attempted Suicide, which includes government agencies, academic institutions, civil society groups, and individuals with personal experience in mental health issues. The task force has conducted consultations with stakeholders and developed a White Paper to guide the reform process.
The government’s initiative comes amid rising concerns about suicide and suicide attempts in Nigeria. According to Akanmu Mujtaba, Mental Health Programme Manager at the Clinton Health Access Initiative, over 700,000 people die by suicide globally each year, with more than 70% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Estimates suggest Nigeria experiences more than 7,000 suicide deaths annually, along with approximately 300,000 suicide attempts.
Mujtaba commended the Council’s approval of the proposal but urged further efforts to ensure its successful legislative passage. He highlighted the importance of creating an environment where mental health can be openly discussed, enabling individuals to seek help without the fear of stigma or discrimination.
The Permanent Secretary reiterated the necessity for sustained collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups to effectively combat the issue of suicide in Nigeria.
