The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria, with the legislation slated to take effect in December 2025.
Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day, which is themed “Changing the Narrative on Suicide: Creating Hope Through Action.”
Globally, September 10 is celebrated to raise awareness about suicide and to increase efforts to prevent unnecessary deaths.
The World Health Organization estimates that more than 720,000 individuals die by self harm each year, making it the third greatest cause of death among persons aged 15 to 29.
Approximately 73% of suicides worldwide occur in low- and middle-income nations.
In Nigeria, suicide survivors are still prosecuted under Sections 327 and 231 of the Criminal and Penal Codes.
According to experts, the punitive law discourages people from seeking help and increases shame.
To address this, the government established a National Task Force on the Decriminalization of Attempted Suicide in October 2024, led by Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe.
The task team was tasked with guiding Nigeria’s shift away from punishment and toward a more public health-focused, compassionate approach.
On Wednesday, the health minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, stated, “Recognizing 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 decriminalization of attempted suicide. The task force was mandated to guide the transition from punishment to a compassionate, public health-oriented response, with a clear target to actualize decriminalization by December 2025, which means we have less than four months.”
The minister mentioned that the government had made remarkable progress, disclosing that “A government white paper on decriminalization has been finalized 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 stated that 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 decriminalization,” he noted.
Kachollom, represented by Dr. Nse Akpan, Director of Port Health Services, emphasized that, while underreported, self harm is an increasing concern in Nigeria.
“Criminalizing suicide attempts does not save lives. Instead, it worsens stigma, discourages people from seeking help, and adds legal punishment to personal suffering,” she said.
Dr. Tunde Ojo, the National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme, stated that the decision was consistent with global best practices in treating suicide as a public health concern rather than a crime.
“Decriminalization will reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and ensure survivors can access timely interventions without fear of prosecution,” he said.
Also addressing the audience, Dr. Olufunke Fasawe, Vice President of Integration and Nigeria Country Director at the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), represented by Chizoba Fashanu, expressed concern that Nigeria ranked seventh in the world in terms of suicide rates. She emphasized CHAI’s 18-year collaboration with the government, especially new initiatives that include suicide prevention and mental health care in non-specialist health settings.
Meanwhile, the National Orientation Agency has launched an awareness campaign to commemorate the day.
According to a statement from Dutse, Jigawa State Director Ahmad Tijjani, suicide prevention demands collective action.
“Suicide is a complex issue influenced by mental health, trauma, social isolation, substance abuse, and economic hardship. This year’s theme reminds us that by raising awareness and breaking stigma, we can create a supportive environment that encourages people to seek help,” Tijjani said.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15,000 Nigerians commit suicide each year, a statistic that is likely underreported due to stigma and criminalization.
The NOA asked Nigerians to work together to promote hope, compassion, and timely interventions.
