Nigeria may be moving away from treating suicide attempts as a crime and towards treating them as a mental health emergency.
The Federal Executive Council has approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act that would remove attempted suicide as a criminal offence. The proposed amendment will now be sent to the National Assembly for consideration.
The change could mark an important break from laws inherited from the colonial era, which have allowed people who survive suicide attempts to face criminal prosecution rather than receiving immediate psychological support.
From Punishment to Treatment
Under existing provisions, including Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, attempted suicide can be treated as a criminal offence. Human rights and mental health advocates have long argued that this approach can discourage people in serious psychological distress from seeking help.
The proposed reform would change that approach. Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate said the government wants people experiencing severe psychological distress to be treated as individuals who need care, treatment and rehabilitation, rather than punishment.
That distinction matters. Someone who survives a suicide attempt may already be dealing with depression, trauma, financial pressure, family problems or another serious crisis. The possibility of arrest can make that person even less likely to seek help.
But Decriminalisation Alone Will Not Solve the Problem
The government’s proposal is a significant step, but removing the criminal penalty is only the beginning. Nigeria will also need enough mental health professionals, accessible treatment centres and emergency support systems to make the new approach work.
The World Health Organisation says mental health systems globally remain under-resourced and that stigma and discrimination continue to prevent people from receiving care.
Without stronger services, decriminalisation could change what happens after an attempt without doing enough to prevent the attempt in the first place.
The 2030 Target
The Federal Government says it wants to reduce suicide cases by 15 per cent by 2030. The reform is therefore being presented as part of a wider mental health strategy rather than an isolated legal change.
The government will also need better data to measure whether the policy is actually working.
For years, the fear of legal consequences and stigma has made suicide and attempted suicide difficult subjects to discuss openly. Removing the criminal label could encourage more people and families to report cases and seek professional help.
What This Means for Nigerians
Perhaps the biggest change is psychological. The message from government is shifting from “you committed a crime” to “you are in crisis and need help.”
That could make a difference for people who are struggling silently. But the real test will come after the bill reaches the National Assembly. If lawmakers pass it, the government will need to match the legal reform with funding, trained professionals and accessible mental health services.
