FG moves to decriminalise attempted suicide, targets 15% reduction by 2030

Nigeria's Federal Government is taking a significant step towards reforming its approach to mental health by moving to decriminalize attempted suicide. The Federal Executive Council has approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act, aiming to shift the country's response from punishment to care and support. This initiative targets a 15% reduction in suicide cases by 2030.

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Within the context of those colonial-era laws, you can arrest them and, in fact, prosecute them for breaking the law. While these are people who are actually ill, it is like getting somebody who has tuberculosis and saying, ‘Why did you have tuberculosis?’

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, explained that the amendment seeks to end the application of colonial-era laws under which individuals attempting suicide could face arrest and prosecution. He likened the situation to punishing someone for having tuberculosis, emphasizing that those attempting suicide are often ill and require medical and psychological intervention, not legal penalties.

The proposed amendment follows extensive consultations with mental health advocates, the Attorney-General's Office, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. A task force was also established to address the issue. Prof. Pate highlighted the consensus reached among stakeholders, stating that the bill is expected to make a major difference from a public health perspective and help alleviate the burden of mental ill health affecting many Nigerians.

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So, it is changing the paradigm to one whereby they require care and support if there is an attempted suicide. Hopefully, that will reduce episodes of suicides that are successful or even attempted.

This reform also aims to resolve inconsistencies between the criminal justice framework and the National Mental Health Act of 2021, which already provides for supportive care and treatment for individuals at risk of self-harm. The World Health Organization estimates that suicide claims over 7,000 lives annually in Nigeria. The approved amendment will now be transmitted to the National Assembly for legislative action.

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After extensive deliberation, including by mental health advocates, there was consensus to actually make this amendment.