Nigerian Govt moves to decriminalise attempted suicide

The Federal Government has moved to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria.

This came against the backdrop of the approval by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, of the position of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the subject.

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

The minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom S., stated that the matter would now proceed to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process, expressing the hope that it would be concluded without delay.

According to him, the decriminalisation of attempted suicide is not only a legal reform but also a public health and human rights imperative.

The minister further stated that people experiencing mental health crises should receive care, support and appropriate intervention rather than punishment.

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

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

Salako stressed that law alone would not prevent suicide, emphasising the need for sustained 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 added.