The Federal Government has commenced steps towards decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria following the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the position of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the matter.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this while speaking at the commemoration of the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day in Abuja.
The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom S., said the proposal would now be forwarded to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process.
He expressed optimism that the process would be concluded without unnecessary delay.
According to Salako, decriminalising attempted suicide goes beyond legal reform, describing it as a public health and human rights imperative.
He maintained that individuals experiencing mental health crises should be provided with appropriate care and support rather than subjected to punishment.
“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,” he said.
The minister, however, noted that legal reform alone would not be sufficient to prevent suicide, stressing the importance of sustained investment in mental health services and other forms of support.
Salako called for improved access to quality mental healthcare, early identification and intervention, stronger community support and greater public awareness.
“We must continue to strengthen mental health services, expand access to quality care, promote early identification and intervention, support persons with lived experience, empower communities and foster open conversations that replace fear and discrimination with empathy and hope,” he added.
The proposed reform is expected to shift the focus towards support and intervention for people experiencing mental health crises, while the National Assembly considers the necessary legislative changes.
