The Federal Executive Council has approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act aimed at decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting in Abuja.
Pate said the reform is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to reduce suicide attempts and deaths in the country by 15 per cent by 2030.
According to him, suicide remains a major public health concern, with World Health Organisation data indicating that more than 7,000 people die by suicide in Nigeria annually, while an estimated 300,000 attempts are recorded each year.
He added that the impact extends beyond individuals, affecting families and communities, with more than 450,000 Nigerians estimated to require psychosocial support annually.
Pate explained that attempted suicide is currently criminalised under colonial-era provisions, including Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 231 of the Penal Code.
He said the existing legal framework could discourage people experiencing psychological distress from seeking medical and psychological support and is inconsistent with the National Mental Health Act 2021, which provides for care, protection and treatment for people at risk of self-harm.
The minister said the amendment was developed through collaboration between the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare and Justice, following the establishment of a task force after a resolution of the House of Representatives.
He stressed that the proposed reform represents a shift from treating people who attempt suicide as criminals to recognising them as individuals who may require urgent care and support.
The amendment was approved by the Federal Executive Council and will now be transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and enactment.
Pate expressed optimism that decriminalising attempted suicide would encourage people in distress to seek help and contribute to reducing both suicide attempts and completed suicides in Nigeria.
