The Federal Government has announced plans to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s mental health response and reduce suicide-related deaths.
Under the existing legal framework, attempting to take one’s own life is punishable by up to one year in prison under the colonial-era Criminal Code. The Penal Code also provides for a jail term of up to one year, a fine, or both.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, said the current laws treat people experiencing severe psychological distress as offenders rather than individuals in need of medical and psychological support.
Pate said the Federal Government would forward proposed amendments to the National Mental Health Act to the National Assembly for consideration and enactment.
According to the minister, suicide remains a major public health concern, while criminalising attempted suicide discourages people from seeking help and runs contrary to Nigeria’s national mental health policy.
He said the proposed reform would help create an environment where people experiencing suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide can receive appropriate care rather than face punishment.
Citing figures from the World Health Organisation, Pate said Nigeria records an estimated 300,000 suicide attempts annually, resulting in at least 7,000 deaths.
He said the government’s reform agenda is aimed at reducing suicide attempts and deaths by 15 per cent by 2030, as the country moves from a punitive approach towards one centred on prevention, treatment, care and support.
Pate also highlighted the shortage of mental health professionals in the country, noting that fewer than 1,000 psychiatrists are available to serve a population of more than 200 million people.
The proposed decriminalisation is expected to form part of broader efforts to address the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage Nigerians experiencing psychological distress to seek professional help without fear of prosecution.
