Nigeria moves to end criminal penalties for suicide attempts
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The Federal Government of Nigeria began steps to remove criminal penalties for attempted suicide when the Federal Executive Council approved a proposal from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, announced the decision during the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day commemoration in Abuja. The Ministry will now send the proposal to the National Assembly for lawmakers to begin the legislative process.
Salako explained that the government views the change as both a legal and public health issue, asserting that individuals facing mental health crises require assistance, not punishment. He stated that removing the threat of criminal charges could lessen the stigma around mental health and encourage people to seek help when they need it. However, Salako also emphasized that decriminalisation is only one part of a broader effort to address suicide in Nigeria.
The government plans to improve mental health services, expand support within communities, and prioritize early identification and intervention for those at risk. Existing policies like the National Mental Health Act 2021 and the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023 to 2030 will guide these efforts. Dr Tunde Ojo, National Coordinator of the Mental Health Programme, noted that Nigeria currently lacks complete data on suicide and attempted suicide, but the ministry is working to gather more accurate statistics through surveys.
Stakeholders present at the event voiced their support for the government’s decision and pledged to assist with both the legislative process and ongoing mental healthcare improvements.
