Nigeria to decriminalise attempted suicide

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, said on Thursday Federal Government is looking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria.

The minister stated this at a news conference held in Abuja to mark the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day.

Currently, suicide is criminalized in Nigeria in line with Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act which states, “Any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for one year.”

There have been growing calls from various stakeholders for the law to be changed.

To support this initiative, the ministry has introduced the National Suicide Strategic Framework (2023-2030) aimed at improving mental health and suicide prevention efforts.

The minister, who was represented at the briefing by th Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Daju Kachollom, said: “The document clearly identifies the risk and protective factors associated with suicide in the country. It also identifies the strategic objectives, interventions, and indicators for suicide prevention, in line with international best practices.”

“Instead of punishment and ostracism, we must extend helping hands and support, rather than sensationalising reportage.’

Pate assured that the ministry was collaborating with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to revise the law, adding, “Nigeria would soon join the committee of nations that have decriminalised attempted suicide.

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