- Tinubu Govt Targets 15% Reduction in Suicide, Moves to Decriminalise Attempts
- Approves Mental Health Act Amendment
- Pate argued that people who attempt suicide, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges, should instead be treated as individuals requiring medical and psychosocial support
The Federal Government has approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act aimed at decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the proposed amendment, approved by the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday, will now be transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and enactment.
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The Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the council meeting at the State House in Abuja.
Pate said the reform was part of broader efforts to address suicide as a public health challenge and ensure that people experiencing psychological distress receive care and support rather than criminal prosecution.
According to the minister, the government is targeting a 15 per cent reduction in suicide deaths and attempts by 2030.
He said the amendment was developed following a task force established after a resolution of the House of Representatives, with contributions from the Ministry of Justice and mental health stakeholders.
“Council looked at this issue, and a task force had been set up following a resolution of the House of Representatives, which is supportive of this,” Pate said.
He explained that under existing colonial-era provisions, including Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 231 of the Penal Code, individuals who attempt suicide can face criminal proceedings.
Pate argued that people who attempt suicide, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges, should instead be treated as individuals requiring medical and psychosocial support.
“Attempting suicide is not a crime. If someone, because of mental health illness, attempts to harm themselves within the context of those colonial-era laws, you can arrest them and prosecute them for breaking the law. But these are people that are actually ill,” he said.
The minister said suicide does not only affect individuals but also places a significant burden on families, friends and communities.
Citing World Health Organisation data, Pate said Nigeria records more than 7,000 suicide deaths annually, while hundreds of thousands of suicide attempts are recorded globally each year.
He also noted that more than 450,000 Nigerians require psychosocial support annually as a result of mental health-related challenges.
Pate said the proposed reform would represent a shift from treating attempted suicide as a criminal matter to addressing it as a public health and mental health issue.
He expressed hope that the decriminalisation, alongside other mental health interventions, would contribute to reducing both attempted and completed suicides in Nigeria.
The minister said the amendment followed extensive consultations with mental health advocates and other stakeholders, adding that the government would work with the National Assembly to advance the legislation.
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