The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria, targeting December 2025 for the reform.
This announcement was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
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In commemoration of the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day, themed “Changing the narrative on suicide, creating hope through action.”
According to Prof. Pate, criminalising suicide attempts under Sections 327 and 231 of the Criminal and Penal Codes has discouraged distressed individuals from seeking help and worsened stigmatisation.
“Evidence shows that with increased public awareness, early identification of warning signs, improved access to mental health care, and compassionate community support, suicide rates can be significantly reduced,” he said.
He added, “Our collective actions matter, and this reform will ensure we respond with empathy rather than punishment.”
To guide the reform, the Federal Government inaugurated a National Taskforce on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide on October 10, 2024, chaired by Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe.
Prof. Pate stated, “Recognising the urgency for reform, the Federal Government took decisive action and inaugurated a national taskforce.
“We aim to actualise decriminalisation by December 2025, which means we have less than four months.”
Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom also weighed in, saying, “The reality is clear: criminalising suicide attempts does not save lives.
“Instead, it worsens stigma, discourages people from seeking help, and adds legal punishment to personal suffering.
“Our ministry is determined to change this narrative by promoting a more humane, health-centred response.”
Dr. Tunde Ojo, National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme, noted, “This reform aligns with global best practices, treating suicide as a public health concern rather than a crime.”
He added, “It is time we prioritise compassion and preventive care over punishment.”
