FG Targets December Deadline to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide

FG Targets December Deadline to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide

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

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day, themed “Changing the Narrative on Suicide: Creating Hope Through Action.”

World Suicide Prevention Day, observed globally on September 10, aims to raise awareness about suicide and strengthen measures to prevent avoidable deaths.

According to the World Health Organization, over 720,000 people die by suicide each year, ranking it as the third leading cause of death among individuals About 73 per cent of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.

In Nigeria, suicide survivors still face prosecution under Sections 327 and 231 of the Criminal and Penal Codes.

Experts say the punitive law has discouraged help-seeking and fuelled stigma.

aged 15–29.

To change this, the government inaugurated a National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide in October 2024, chaired by Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe.

The task force was mandated to guide Nigeria’s transition from punishment to a public health–oriented, compassionate approach.

On Wednesday, the health minister,  represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said,

“Recognising the urgency for reform, the Federal Government took decisive action and, on the 10th of October 2024, the ministry inaugurated a national task force on the decriminalisation of attempted suicide. The taskforce was mandated to guide the transition from punishment to a compassionate, public health-oriented response, with a clear target to actualise decriminalization by December 2025, which means we have less than four months.”

The minister said the government had  made remarkable progress, disclosing that, “A government white paper on decriminalisation has been finalised to guide national policy; a draft amendment to the National Mental Health Act 2021, now the National Mental Health Act Amendment Bill 2025, has been developed. It proposes the repeal of punitive provisions in the Criminal and Penal Codes and the insertion of clauses to explicitly decriminalize attempted suicide, prohibit prosecution of survivors, and provide for care and support.”

Pate said the draft had been adopted as the ministry’s official position and had undergone consultations with the Attorney-General of the Federation.

“Next, I will be presenting a memo to the Federal Executive Council for an Executive Bill on decriminalisation,” he noted.

Kachollom, represented by the Director of Port Health Services, Dr. Nse Akpan, noted that although often underreported, suicide remains a growing concern in Nigeria.

“Criminalising suicide attempts does not save lives. Rather, it deepens stigma, discourages people from seeking support, and adds legal punishment to personal suffering,” she said.

The National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme, Dr. Tunde Ojo, explained that the government’s plan aligns with global best practices by recognising suicide as a public health challenge rather than a crime.

“Decriminalisation will help reduce stigma, encourage people to seek help, and ensure survivors receive timely interventions without the fear of prosecution,” he stated.

Similarly, the Vice President of Integration and Nigeria Country Director at the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Dr. Olufunke Fasawe—represented by Chizoba Fashanu—expressed concern that Nigeria ranks seventh worldwide in suicide cases. She highlighted CHAI’s 18-year partnership with the government, including recent programmes that integrate suicide prevention and mental health care into non-specialist health facilities.

Meanwhile, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has rolled out an awareness campaign to mark the day. In a statement from Dutse, Jigawa State Director Ahmad Tijjani emphasised that suicide prevention requires collective effort.

“Suicide is influenced by multiple factors—mental health challenges, trauma, social isolation, substance abuse, and economic hardship. This year’s theme reminds us that by raising awareness and ending stigma, we can build a supportive environment where people feel encouraged to seek help,” Tijjani said.

The World Health Organization estimates that about 15,000 Nigerians die by suicide annually, though the number is likely underreported due to stigma and criminalisation. The NOA urged citizens to work together in fostering hope, compassion, and timely access to care.