By Saminu Zawai Mandawari
The Federal Government has commenced the process of decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria following the approval by the Federal Executive Council of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s position on the matter.
The Independent Mirror reports that the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day. He was represented at the event by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom.
Salako said the proposed reform would now be forwarded to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process. He described the move as both a legal and public health intervention, stressing that people experiencing mental health crises should receive care, support and appropriate intervention rather than punishment.
According to the minister, removing criminal sanctions against attempted suicide could help reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges and encourage more people to seek help when they are in crisis.
“A person experiencing a mental health crisis should be met with care, support and appropriate intervention, rather than punishment,” Salako said.
He, however, noted that decriminalising attempted suicide alone would not be enough to prevent suicide in the country. He said the government would continue to strengthen mental health services, expand community-based support and promote early identification and intervention.
The minister also called for more open discussions about mental health, saying greater public awareness could help people recognise warning signs and seek professional assistance early.
Salako cited the National Mental Health Act 2021, the National Mental Health Policy 2023 and the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023–2030 as key policy instruments guiding the country’s response to suicide and mental health challenges.
He added that the National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide had already consulted policymakers and other relevant stakeholders as part of efforts to advance the proposed reform.
Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the Mental Health Programme, Dr Tunde Ojo, acknowledged that Nigeria still faced significant gaps in reliable data on suicide and attempted suicide.
Ojo said the ministry was using surveys and other data-gathering methods to develop more accurate and verifiable national statistics within the next year.
The National Coordinator of the National Action for Suicide Prevention, Dr Ade Bash, also reaffirmed plans to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare and strengthen community-based interventions.
Stakeholders at the event welcomed the Federal Government’s decision and pledged their support for the legislative process, as well as continued efforts to improve suicide prevention and mental healthcare services across Nigeria.
