Nigeria moves to decriminalise attempted suicide
Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council has backed a proposal to decriminalise attempted suicide, clearing the way for legislative consideration by the National Assembly, the minister of state for health and social welfare has said.
Dr Iziaq Salako announced the decision in Abuja on Thursday at an event marking World Suicide Prevention Day, held under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”.
Salako, represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Daju Kachollom, said the council had approved the ministry’s position on decriminalisation. The proposal still requires legislative action before the change can take effect.
He described the reform as a public health and human rights priority, saying people experiencing mental health crises needed treatment and support. Fear of criminal penalties, he said, could discourage people from seeking help and reinforce stigma.
The minister welcomed the approval but cautioned that changing the law would be only one part of preventing suicide. He called for sustained investment in mental health services, earlier intervention, stronger community support and wider public awareness.
He said the ministry’s work was guided by national mental health legislation, policy and the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023–2030.
A national taskforce on decriminalising attempted suicide had brought together government officials, academics, professional associations, civil society groups, development partners and people with lived experience, he added.
According to Salako, the taskforce consulted stakeholders, engaged policymakers across the three arms of government and developed a government white paper to support decision-making. It also conducted advocacy and public awareness activities.
He urged healthcare professionals, traditional and religious leaders, youth organisations, the media and other stakeholders to support the reforms, describing suicide prevention as a shared responsibility.
The ministry’s director of public health, Dr Charles Nzelu, said its priorities included integrating mental health services into primary healthcare, training health workers and expanding community-based support.
Nzelu, represented by Dr Adebobola Bashorun, the national coordinator of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme, said consultations had helped shape a response informed by the needs and experiences of Nigerians.
He called for an environment in which people could discuss their mental health and seek help early without fear of discrimination.
Dr Akanmu Mujitaba, the mental health programme manager at the Clinton Health Access Initiative in Nigeria, welcomed the council’s decision and urged the ministry to sustain its efforts until the legislative process was completed.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s support for the reforms, saying effective prevention required accessible services, supportive policies and compassionate care.
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on 10 September to raise awareness and encourage action to prevent suicide.