FG Takes Steps to End Criminalisation of Attempted Suicide
The Federal Government has commenced moves to remove criminal penalties for attempted suicide after the Federal Executive Council approved the position of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the matter. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja during the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day commemoration, explaining that the proposal would now be forwarded to the National Assembly for the required legislative process. Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, Salako described the proposed reform as both a legal and public health measure, stressing that people experiencing mental health crises should receive care and intervention rather than punishment. He said removing the fear of criminal sanctions could help reduce stigma, encourage people to seek assistance and create more opportunities for timely intervention. Salako, however, stressed that decriminalisation by itself would not be sufficient to prevent suicide, adding that the government would continue efforts to strengthen mental health services and expand community-based support. He said the focus would also include early identification and intervention, alongside encouraging more open discussions about mental health.
The minister identified the National Mental Health Act 2021, National Mental Health Policy 2023 and National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023–2030 as key policy instruments guiding Nigeria’s response to suicide and mental health challenges. He added that the National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide had engaged policymakers and other stakeholders as part of efforts to advance the proposed reform. Speaking on the country’s mental health data, the National Coordinator of the Mental Health Programme, Dr Tunde Ojo, acknowledged gaps in available statistics on suicide and attempted suicide, saying the ministry was using surveys and other data-gathering methods to develop more accurate and verifiable national statistics within the next year. The National Coordinator of the National Action for Suicide Prevention, Dr Ade Bash, also reaffirmed plans to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare and strengthen community-based interventions. Stakeholders at the event welcomed the Federal Government’s decision and pledged continued support for the legislative process and wider efforts to improve suicide prevention and mental healthcare in Nigeria.
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