Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Federal Government has commenced the process of decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria following the approval of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s position on the issue by the Federal Executive Council.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this during the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day commemoration in Abuja, stating that the proposal would now be transmitted to the National Assembly for legislative consideration.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, Salako described the proposed reform as a critical legal and public health intervention aimed at improving mental health support and suicide prevention efforts in Nigeria.
“A person experiencing a mental health crisis should be met with care, support and appropriate intervention, rather than punishment.
“Removing the fear of criminal sanctions can help reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking and create greater opportunities for timely intervention,” Salako said.
He noted that while decriminalising attempted suicide is an important step, broader measures are required to address mental health challenges and reduce suicide rates across the country.
According to him, the government will continue strengthening mental health services, expanding community-based support systems and promoting early identification and intervention for individuals facing mental health difficulties.
Salako also stressed the need for more open discussions on mental health issues, saying public awareness and access to support services remain vital components of suicide prevention.
He identified the National Mental Health Act 2021, the National Mental Health Policy 2023 and the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023–2030 as key frameworks guiding the country’s mental health and suicide prevention agenda.
The minister further disclosed that the National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide had engaged policymakers and other stakeholders as part of efforts to advance the reform process.
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the Mental Health Programme, Dr Tunde Ojo, acknowledged existing gaps in national data on suicide and attempted suicide.
Ojo said the ministry was deploying surveys and other data collection mechanisms to generate more reliable and verifiable national statistics within the next year.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the National Action for Suicide Prevention, Dr Ade Bash, reiterated plans to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare and strengthen community-based interventions across Nigeria.
Stakeholders at the event welcomed the Federal Government’s decision and expressed support for the proposed legislation and ongoing efforts to improve mental healthcare and suicide prevention nationwide.
