Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, has reaffirmed his commitment to championing the Suicide Prevention Bill currently before the Senate.
The bill, which passed its first reading in February, seeks to decriminalise attempted suicide and establish a comprehensive national framework for suicide prevention and mental health support in Nigeria.
Ekpenyong reiterated his stance in a statement released on Sunday and signed by Prof. Taiwo Sheikh, convener of the Suicide Prevention Advocacy Group and Continental Representative for LifeLine International.
The senator made his remarks while receiving members of the Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, a coalition of psychiatrists, mental health practitioners, legal experts, civil society organisations, and advocates — who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja. The delegation commended him for sponsoring the bill and briefed him on upcoming activities ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 727,000 people die by suicide every year, while many more attempt it. Globally, suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Taiwo Sheikh, former President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria and a leading voice on suicide prevention, stressed that criminalising attempted suicide has worsened stigma and discouraged people from seeking help.
“When you criminalise attempted suicide, you stigmatise people who are already vulnerable,” Sheikh said. “According to WHO estimates, Nigeria records about 16,000 suicide deaths annually, and that figure is conservative because many cases go unreported.
“Most victims are young people, between 15 and 29 years old. This is a public health crisis that must be urgently addressed”, he added.
Sheikh explained that the proposed bill will not only repeal punitive laws against attempted suicide but also strengthen prevention mechanisms through improved service delivery, funding, professional training, helplines, and nationwide data systems.
In response, Senator Ekpenyong praised the coalition for its sustained advocacy and acknowledged the underreported nature of mental health challenges in Nigeria.
“Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions affect millions of Nigerians, yet they remain poorly understood and rarely prioritised,” the senator said. “Suicide prevention is an issue that demands government attention, continuous education, and widespread sensitisation.”
Ekpenyong assured the group that he would champion the bill during its second reading, pledging to work closely with his colleagues to ensure robust debate backed by strong data and evidence.
Other members of the coalition, including psychiatrists, psychologists, lawyers, and mental health advocates, highlighted the urgent need for legislative support to implement comprehensive suicide prevention policies. They warned that Nigeria’s high youth suicide rate and the growing economic and social costs of untreated mental health issues make swift legislative action critical.
