By Ifeanyi Onuoha
The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun the process to stop criminal charges and penalties for attempted suicide.
This was set in motion after deliberations by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, approving the position of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the matter.
The decision was announced by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako in Abuja as the world marked World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” which calls attention to the role of individuals, families, workplaces, schools, healthcare providers, communities and governments in supporting mental wellbeing and access to care.
Salako mentioned that the matter would now be forwarded to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process, describing the proposed reform as both a legal and public health measure, arguing that people experiencing mental health crises need support rather than punishment and stigmatization.
The minister, however, stressed that decriminalisation alone would not be enough to prevent suicide, noting that the government would continue to strengthen mental health services and expand community-based support.
Salako cited the National Mental Health Act 2021, National Mental Health Policy 2023 and National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023–2030 as key policy instruments guiding Nigeria’s response to suicide and mental health challenges.
In the same vein, the National Coordinator, National Action for Suicide Prevention, Dr Ade Bash, also reaffirmed the ministry’s plans to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare and strengthen community-based interventions.
#Suicide, #Mentalhealth, #NMA
