Nigeria Moves to Treat Suicide Attempts as a Mental Health Crisis, Not a Crime
The Federal Government has taken steps to remove attempted suicide from Nigeria’s criminal laws, seeking to replace punishment with medical treatment and psychological support for people who survive suicide attempts.
The decision was approved by the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday as part of proposed amendments to the National Mental Health Act. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the proposed changes would be forwarded to the National Assembly through an Executive Bill. The reform is expected to repeal colonial-era provisions that currently criminalise attempted suicide under the Criminal Code and Penal Code.
The government said the change is intended to make it easier for people experiencing severe psychological distress to seek professional help without fear of prosecution. According to figures cited by the minister from the World Health Organisation, suicide accounts for more than 7,000 deaths annually in Nigeria, while about 300,000 attempts are recorded each year. The government is targeting a 15 per cent reduction in suicide attempts by 2030.
The proposed reform represents a shift in Nigeria’s approach to suicide prevention, with greater emphasis on early intervention, counselling and access to mental health services. The government believes removing the threat of criminal prosecution could encourage more people at risk of self-harm to seek help and strengthen efforts to address the country’s growing mental health burden.
