Nigeria: FG Begins Process to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide

What the report says

Nigeria’s federal government has started the formal move to remove criminal penalties for attempted suicide, following approval by the Federal Executive Council of the health ministry’s position on the issue. According to Vanguard, the next step is to send the proposal to the National Assembly for legislation.

The announcement was made in Abuja during the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day commemoration by Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Iziaq Salako, who was represented by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom. He framed the reform as both a legal change and a public health response, saying people in mental health crisis should receive care and support rather than punishment. He also argued that reducing the threat of prosecution could lower stigma and make it easier for people to seek help.

Salako said decriminalisation would not, by itself, solve the problem of suicide. He pointed to ongoing plans to strengthen mental health services, expand community-based support, improve early intervention and encourage more open discussion of mental health.

The ministry said its response is being guided by existing policy tools, including the National Mental Health Act 2021, the National Mental Health Policy 2023 and the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023–2030. Officials also said a task force had consulted stakeholders, while data specialists acknowledged gaps in national suicide statistics and said more reliable figures were being developed. Stakeholders at the event backed the reform effort and pledged support for the legislative process.