FG has moved to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal Government has commenced moves to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, following the approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of the position of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the matter.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this during the commemoration of the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day in Abuja.
Salako, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom S., said the proposed reform would now proceed to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process.
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He expressed optimism that the process would be concluded without unnecessary delay.
According to the minister, decriminalising attempted suicide would represent more than a legal reform, describing it as a public health and human rights imperative.
He argued that people experiencing mental health crises should receive care, support and appropriate intervention rather than punishment.
“A person experiencing a mental health crisis should be met with care, support and appropriate intervention, rather than punishment,” Salako said.
He added that removing the fear of criminal sanctions could help reduce stigma surrounding mental health challenges, encourage people to seek help and create greater opportunities for timely intervention.
The minister stressed, however, that changing the law alone would not be sufficient to prevent suicide in Nigeria.
He called for sustained investment in mental health services, early identification and intervention, stronger community support and increased public awareness.
“We must continue to strengthen mental health services, expand access to quality care, promote early identification and intervention, support persons with lived experience, empower communities and foster open conversations that replace fear and discrimination with empathy and hope,” he added.
The proposed decriminalisation is expected to shift the response to attempted suicide towards healthcare, psychosocial support and prevention rather than criminal sanctions.
The Federal Government’s position will now require legislative consideration before any changes to the existing legal framework can take effect.
