The Federal Government has started the process of removing criminal penalties for attempted suicide following approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, announced the development in Abuja during the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day commemoration.
Salako, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said the approved position would now be sent to the National Assembly for the required legislative process.
The minister described the proposed reform as both a legal and public health step, stressing that people experiencing mental health crises should receive care and support rather than face 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,” Salako said.
However, Salako emphasised that decriminalising attempted suicide would not, on its own, eliminate suicide. He said the government would continue efforts to improve mental health services and expand community-based support.
According to the minister, the government also plans to strengthen early identification and intervention while promoting more open discussions around mental health and suicide prevention.
Government Strengthens Suicide Prevention Efforts
Salako identified the National Mental Health Act 2021, National Mental Health Policy 2023 and National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023–2030 as important policy documents guiding Nigeria’s approach to mental health and suicide prevention.
He added that the National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide had engaged policymakers and other stakeholders as part of the ongoing reform process.
Speaking about Nigeria’s mental health statistics, the National Coordinator of the Mental Health Programme, Dr Tunde Ojo, acknowledged that there are still significant gaps in data on suicide and attempted suicide.
Ojo said the ministry was using surveys and other data collection methods to develop more reliable and verifiable national statistics within the next year.
The National Coordinator of the National Action for Suicide Prevention, Dr Ade Bash, also reaffirmed plans to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare and strengthen community-based interventions.
Stakeholders at the event welcomed the Federal Government’s decision and pledged their support for the legislative process and broader efforts to improve suicide prevention and mental healthcare across Nigeria.
