FG sets December 2025 to decriminalise suicide attempts

The Federal Government has announced plans to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria by December 2025, marking a major policy shift in how the country addresses mental health and suicide prevention.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, disclosed this during a press briefing held in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day. The event, themed “Changing the Narrative on Suicide, Creating Hope Through Action,” aims to raise global awareness and promote effective interventions for suicide prevention. The minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said the government is moving toward a health-based and compassionate approach to suicide rather than a punitive one.

According to the World Health Organisation, over 720,000 people die by suicide annually, making it the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29. Approximately three-quarters of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, existing legal codes specifically Sections 327 and 231 of the criminal and penal codes still classify attempted suicide as a criminal offence. Mental health experts have consistently argued that such laws discourage individuals from seeking help and reinforce dangerous stigmas around mental illness.

To address this, the Federal Government in October 2024 constituted a national taskforce on decriminalisation of attempted suicide, chaired by Professor Cheluchi Onyemelukwe. The taskforce was tasked with guiding the transition toward legal reform and coordinating the development of a more humane policy framework.

Professor Pate confirmed that a draft white paper and amendment bill aimed at repealing the punitive provisions have already been completed and adopted as the official position of the Ministry of Health. He added that consultations are currently ongoing with the Attorney-General and his legal team. Once those discussions are concluded, an executive bill will be presented to the Federal Executive Council for further action.

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Port Health Services, Dr. Nse Akpan, stated that many suicide attempts go unreported due to fear of arrest and societal stigma. He noted that criminalising such behaviour has not proven effective in preventing suicide but has instead compounded personal suffering with legal consequences.

The National Coordinator of the Mental Health Programme, Dr. Tunde Ojo, said the proposed reforms would bring Nigeria in line with global best practices, where suicide is treated as a public health issue rather than a crime. He emphasised the importance of early intervention, access to mental health care, and stronger community support systems in reducing suicide rates.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of Dr. Olufunke Fasawe of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Dr. Chizoba Fashanu highlighted Nigeria’s alarming suicide statistics. She noted that Nigeria currently ranks seventh globally in suicide cases and urged for accelerated efforts to ensure the reforms are implemented before the end of 2025.

While the proposed legal changes represent a significant policy milestone, stakeholders stress that legislative reform must be accompanied by increased investment in mental health infrastructure, public education campaigns, and the training of healthcare professionals. Until the laws are formally changed and services expanded, the lives of vulnerable Nigerians remain at risk under a system that still criminalises those in crisis.