FG Moves To Decriminalise Attempted Suicide, Says Punishment Must Give Way To Care

The Federal Government is moving to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, with the Federal Executive Council approving the Health Ministry’s position and paving the way for legislative action.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday during the commemoration of the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, Salako said the proposal would now proceed to the National Assembly for consideration.

The minister described the reform as both a public health and human rights imperative, arguing that people experiencing mental health crises need care and timely intervention rather than punishment.

“A person experiencing a mental health crisis should be met with care, support and appropriate intervention, rather than punishment,” Salako said.

He said removing the threat of criminal sanctions could reduce stigma and encourage people experiencing suicidal thoughts or crises to seek help.

“Removing the fear of criminal sanctions can help reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking and create greater opportunities for timely intervention,” he said.

Salako, however, stressed that changing the law would not by itself prevent suicide.

He called for increased investment in mental health services, early identification and intervention, community support and public awareness.

“We must continue to strengthen mental health services, expand access to quality care, promote early identification and intervention, support persons with lived experience, empower communities and foster open conversations that replace fear and discrimination with empathy and hope,” he said.

The minister said the government’s position was part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s mental health system under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He cited the National Mental Health Act 2021, National Mental Health Policy 2023 and National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023–2030 as key instruments guiding the government’s response.

Salako also disclosed that the ministry had established a National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide, bringing together government institutions, academics, professional bodies, civil society groups, development partners and people with lived experience.

According to him, the task force has conducted stakeholder consultations, engaged policymakers across the three arms of government and developed a White Paper to guide the reform.

The government’s push comes amid concerns over the scale of suicide and suicide attempts in Nigeria.

Akanmu Mujtaba, Mental Health Programme Manager at the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Nigeria, said more than 700,000 people die by suicide globally each year, with over 70 per cent of the deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

He said World Health Organisation estimates put Nigeria’s annual suicide deaths at more than 7,000, with about 300,000 suicide attempts.

Mujtaba commended the government for securing FEC approval but urged the authorities to ensure the proposal progresses to full legislative passage.

The Permanent Secretary urged Nigerians to create an environment where people can speak openly about their mental health and seek help without fear of stigma or discrimination.

She said suicide prevention required sustained collaboration among government, healthcare professionals, communities, the media, civil society organisations, faith-based groups and other stakeholders.