The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act aimed at decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria.
The Minister of Health and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Pate, disclosed this after the FEC meeting.
Pate said suicide remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, with the World Health Organisation estimating more than 7,000 suicide deaths annually and about 300,000 suicide attempts across the country each year.
According to the minister, attempted suicide is still criminalised under colonial-era laws, including Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 231 of the Penal Code.
He said the existing laws treat people experiencing psychological distress as offenders rather than individuals who require care, protection and support.
Pate explained that criminalising attempted suicide can discourage people from seeking help and is inconsistent with the National Mental Health Act 2021, which provides for supportive care and treatment for people at risk of self-harm.
The Minister said the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare worked together on the proposed amendment.
The amendment has now been approved by FEC and is expected to be transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and enactment.
The proposed reform would shift Nigeria’s approach from punishment toward mental health care, protection and support for people experiencing severe psychological distress.
FEC Approves Amendment To Decriminalise Attempted Suicide In Nigeria
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