The Federal Government has moved to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria following the approval of the position of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day.
Salako, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom S., said the proposal would now be forwarded to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process.
He expressed optimism that the process would be concluded without delay, describing the decriminalisation of attempted suicide as both a public health and human rights imperative.
According to the minister, people experiencing mental health crises should receive care, support and appropriate intervention rather than punishment.
He said removing the fear of criminal sanctions could help reduce stigma, encourage people to seek help and create greater opportunities for timely intervention.
Salako, however, stressed that legal reform alone would not be enough to prevent suicide, noting the need for sustained investment in mental health services, early identification and intervention, community support and public awareness.
He called for stronger mental health services, wider access to quality care and greater support for people with lived experience, while urging communities to promote open conversations around mental health and suicide prevention.
The proposed reform marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to suicide prevention, with the Federal Government seeking to prioritise treatment, support and rehabilitation over criminal punishment for people experiencing mental health crises.
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