For years, people who survive suicide attempts in Nigeria have faced possible arrest and prosecution. The Federal Government now wants to change that approach.
The Federal Executive Council has now approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act to decriminalise attempted suicide, shifting the focus from punishment to care and support.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, disclosed this after Wednesday’s FEC meeting in Abuja. Pate said the current legal framework treats people experiencing severe psychological distress as offenders rather than people in need of care.
“Within the context of those colonial-era laws, you can arrest them and, in fact, prosecute them for breaking the law.
“So, it is changing the paradigm to one whereby they require care and support if there is an attempted suicide”, he added.
The government is targeting a 15 per cent reduction in suicide cases by 2030.
Pate said the proposed amendment followed consultations with mental health advocates, the Attorney-General’s Office, the Ministry of Justice and other stakeholders. He said the bill, following FEC approval, would now be transmitted to the National Assembly for legislative action.
According to Pate, the reform would also address inconsistencies between the criminal justice framework and the 2021 National Mental Health Act, which provides for supportive care and treatment for people at risk of self-harm.
The minister cited World Health Organisation estimates indicating that suicide accounts for more than 7,000 deaths annually in Nigeria, with about 300,000 suicide attempts recorded each year. Pate also announced increased investment in health infrastructure, including projects at the National Hospital, Abuja, and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment.
“This is unprecedented because, to be honest, Nigeria has not invested significantly or seriously in health infrastructure”.
He said the government was committed to ensuring the projects are completed and deliver improved healthcare services.
Also briefing journalists, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, said FEC approved the revised National Biotechnology Policy 2026. He said the policy would provide a framework for developing and commercialising biotechnology, while strengthening food security, attracting investment and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The council also approved Nigeria’s participation in the Global Bioenergy Partnership and designated the Energy Commission of Nigeria as the lead implementing agency.
