FG to decriminalise attempted suicide by December

The Federal Government has reiterated its plan to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, setting December 2025 as the target for the reform.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, made this known on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day themed, “Changing the narrative on suicide, creating hope through action.”

Globally, September 10 is observed to raise awareness and renew commitment to saving lives from suicide. According to the World Health Organisation, over 720,000 people die by suicide annually. It remains the third leading cause of death among people aged 15–29, with 73 per cent of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

In Nigeria, a major obstacle to seeking help has been the criminalisation of attempted suicide under Sections 327 and 231 of the Criminal and Penal Codes. This punitive approach has discouraged people in distress from seeking assistance and has deepened stigma.

To address this, the Federal Government inaugurated the National Taskforce on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide on October 10, 2024. The taskforce, chaired by Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, was mandated to steer the transition from punishment to a health-centred, compassionate response.

Represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, Pate said evidence shows that public awareness, early detection of warning signs, wider access to mental health services, and community support can significantly reduce suicide rates.

“This year’s theme urges us to replace silence with dialogue, shame with empathy, and stigma with understanding. It reminds us that our words, attitudes, and collective actions truly matter,” he said.

The minister added that a government white paper had been completed, and a draft amendment to the National Mental Health Act 2021—now the National Mental Health Act Amendment Bill 2025—had been prepared to repeal punitive provisions in the Criminal and Penal Codes. He confirmed that both documents have been reviewed and adopted as the official stance of the Ministry.

Pate further explained that consultations are ongoing with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for additional input before presenting a memo at the Federal Executive Council to propose an Executive Bill on the decriminalisation of attempted suicide.

In her remarks, Kachollom, represented by the Director of Port Health Services, Dr. Nse Akpan, said suicide remains under-reported in Nigeria due to stigma but is a growing concern. She stressed that this year’s focus is not only on awareness but also on demonstrating commitment through compassion, interventions, and reforms.

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“Criminalising suicide attempts does not save lives. It fuels stigma, discourages help-seeking, and compounds suffering with legal punishment. Our ministry is determined to change this narrative by promoting a humane, health-centred response,” she said.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme, Dr. Tunde Ojo, said the reform aligns with international best practices, which treat suicide as a public health issue rather than a criminal offence.

In her goodwill message, Vice President of Integration and Nigeria’s Country Director at the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Dr. Olufunke Fasawe—represented by Dr. Chizoba Fashanu—said Nigeria ranks seventh globally in suicide cases, underscoring the urgent need for reforms.