The Federal Government is making efforts to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, according to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate.
According to The PUNCH, Pate while speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday to mark the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day, highlighted ongoing work to reform the legal stance on suicide attempts in the country.
Currently, under Section 327 of Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act, attempted suicide is considered a misdemeanour, punishable by up to one year in prison.
However, Prof. Pate revealed that the government is taking steps to amend this law in line with global best practices.
“One of the key policy actions in this document is the decriminalisation of attempted suicide,” Pate said, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom. “Instead of punishment and ostracism, we must extend helping hands and support.”
He further explained that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is working with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and other partners to address the issue. “Nigeria will soon join the committee of nations that have decriminalised attempted suicide,” Pate added.
The news conference was part of the commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day, held annually on September 10. This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” focuses on promoting open conversations about suicide prevention and reducing stigma surrounding mental health.
Pate also unveiled the National Suicide Strategic Framework (2023-2030), which aims to improve mental health services and suicide prevention strategies across the country. The framework outlines key risk factors, protective measures, and interventions designed to reduce suicide rates.
According to Pate, Nigeria has a suicide rate of 12.9 per 100,000 people, with young people aged 15 to 29 being particularly vulnerable. “Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in this age group in Africa, accounting for 40 percent of all suicide deaths,” he stated, adding that depression, alcohol use disorders, and moments of crisis are common triggers for suicide.
He emphasized that the decriminalisation of attempted suicide would shift the country’s focus toward prevention and support. “Changing the narrative means moving away from taboos, stigma, and discrimination, toward empathy and positive cultural change,” Pate said.
Country Representative of the World Health Organization Dr. Walter Mulombo echoed the minister’s call for change. Represented by Mary Bantuo, Mulombo stated, “For every suicide, there are likely 20 more attempts and many more people who have serious thoughts of suicide.”
Mulombo stressed the need for society to engage in open discussions about suicide, adding, “By initiating vital conversations, we can break barriers, raise awareness, and create better support systems.”
He also called for government action to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health in policymaking. “Changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that increase access to mental health care and provide necessary support for those in need,” Mulombo said.
Both officials reiterated that suicide prevention is a collective responsibility, and society must work together to provide care and empathy for those struggling with mental health challenges.
