The Federal Government has moved to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the position of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the issue.
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, held under the theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, Salako said the proposed reform would now proceed to the National Assembly for the required legislative process.
He expressed optimism that lawmakers would conclude the process without unnecessary delay.
FG Wants Punishment Replaced With Care
Salako described the proposed decriminalisation of attempted suicide as both a public health and human rights imperative.
According to him, people experiencing mental health crises should be met with care, support and appropriate intervention rather than criminal punishment.
He said removing the threat of criminal sanctions could help reduce the stigma associated with suicide attempts and make it easier for people experiencing severe distress to seek assistance.
The minister said a less punitive approach would also create more opportunities for timely intervention when people are experiencing mental health crises.
Reform Now Heads to National Assembly
The FEC approval represents a major policy step, but the proposed change still requires the necessary legislative process before it can become law.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has been working with stakeholders through a National Task Force on Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide.
Dr Charles Nzelu, Director of Public Health, said the task force had facilitated stakeholder engagements, evidence generation, policy dialogue, advocacy, sensitisation and public awareness as part of efforts to advance the reform.
Nzelu spoke through the National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), Dr Adebobola Bashorun.
Health Ministry Lists Priorities for Suicide Prevention
Nzelu said the ministry remained committed to providing strategic leadership and coordination for mental health promotion and suicide prevention across the country.
Among the ministry’s priorities are strengthening mental health services, integrating mental healthcare into primary healthcare, improving the capacity of health workers and expanding community-based interventions.
The ministry also plans to strengthen partnerships with relevant stakeholders as part of a broader effort to improve access to mental healthcare.
The push for stronger primary healthcare systems comes as Nigeria continues to face wider challenges in providing accessible healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable communities. The Bureau Journal has previously reported on efforts to strengthen healthcare capacity and medical training in Nigeria.
Psychiatrists Warn of Brain Drain
The President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Dr Oluyemisi Nyamali, said the country’s mental health workforce remained inadequate, with brain drain worsening the shortage of professionals available to provide care.
She backed the proposed decriminalisation, saying it could encourage people experiencing psychological distress to seek help without the fear of prosecution.
Nyamali urged the government to invest further in mental health services and ensure that essential care is available across the country.
Her warning comes against the backdrop of broader concerns about Nigeria’s health workforce and the ability of the healthcare system to provide timely specialist services. The Bureau Journal has also reported on efforts to restore specialist healthcare services and challenges affecting access to primary healthcare.
Changing How Nigeria Responds to Suicide Attempts
The proposed reform would mark a significant shift in how Nigeria approaches people who survive suicide attempts.
Health officials argue that the threat of criminal sanctions can compound an already difficult situation by discouraging people in crisis from seeking professional assistance or revealing suicidal thoughts.
Under the approach being advocated by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the emphasis would instead be placed on identifying people at risk, providing appropriate treatment and connecting them with support systems.
The broader strategy also depends on stronger public-health infrastructure, trained personnel and community-level interventions. Recent health-sector developments, including Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen health technology and innovation, underscore the wider push to improve the country’s capacity to respond to healthcare challenges.
FG Calls for Collective Action
Nzelu urged government institutions, healthcare professionals, communities and other stakeholders to remain committed to changing the narrative around suicide.
He said Nigeria needed to build a society where people experiencing mental health challenges could obtain timely care, support and hope.
The decriminalisation proposal is now expected to move from policy consideration to legislative consideration at the National Assembly.
If the legislative process is completed, it would represent a major change in Nigeria’s approach to suicide prevention, shifting the emphasis from punishment towards healthcare, intervention and support for people in crisis.
The Bureau Journal will continue to monitor the legislative process and developments around mental health and suicide prevention in Nigeria.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of suicide or self-harm, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. Stay with the person if it is safe to do so and seek urgent professional help.
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