FG Sets December 2025 Deadline to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide

FG Sets December 2025 Deadline to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide
About 73 per cent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries
Dr. Tunde Ojo, said the reform aligns with global best practices by treating suicide as a public health

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its plan to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, setting December 2025 as the target date for the reform.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press briefing in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day, themed “Changing the Narrative on Suicide: Creating Hope Through Action.”

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Observed globally every September 10, the day seeks to raise awareness on suicide prevention and reduce avoidable deaths.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 720,000 people die by suicide annually, making it the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29.

About 73 per cent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

In Nigeria, suicide survivors still face prosecution under Sections 327 and 231 of the Criminal and Penal Codes. Experts argue that such punitive laws discourage help-seeking and fuel stigma.

FG Sets December 2025 Deadline to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide

To address this, the government inaugurated a National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide in October 2024, chaired by Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe. The task force was mandated to guide Nigeria’s transition from punishment to a public health–oriented, compassionate approach.

Represented by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, the minister said the government had made significant progress.

He explained that a government white paper on decriminalisation had been finalised to guide policy, while a draft amendment to the National Mental Health Act 2021 now the National Mental Health Act Amendment Bill 2025 was in place.

The bill proposes repealing punitive provisions in the Criminal and Penal Codes, prohibiting prosecution of survivors, and providing care and support instead. It has undergone consultations with the Attorney-General of the Federation.

“Next, I will be presenting a memo to the Federal Executive Council for an Executive Bill on decriminalisation,” Pate said.

Kachollom, represented by Director of Port Health Services, Dr. Nse Akpan, stressed that suicide remains underreported in Nigeria but is a growing concern.

“Criminalising suicide attempts does not save lives. Instead, it worsens stigma, discourages people from seeking help, and adds legal punishment to personal suffering,” she said.

National Mental Health Programme Coordinator, Dr. Tunde Ojo, said the reform aligns with global best practices by treating suicide as a public health issue rather than a crime.

Also, the Vice President of Integration and Nigeria Country Director at the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Dr. Olufunke Fasawe, represented by Chizoba Fashanu, lamented that Nigeria ranks seventh globally in suicide cases.

She noted CHAI’s partnership with the government in integrating suicide prevention and mental health care into regular health services.

Meanwhile, the National Orientation Agency launched an awareness campaign to mark the day. Dutse, Jigawa State Director Ahmad Tijjani, said suicide prevention requires collective effort.

“Suicide is a complex issue influenced by mental health, trauma, social isolation, substance abuse, and economic hardship. This year’s theme reminds us that by raising awareness and breaking stigma, we can create a supportive environment that encourages people to seek help,” Tijjani said.

The WHO estimates that about 15,000 Nigerians die by suicide each year, though the figure is likely underreported due to stigma and criminalisation.