By Elvira Jordan
The Federal Government has moved to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, following the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s position on the proposed reform.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja during the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day commemoration.
Salako, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said the proposal would now be forwarded to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process.
He described the proposed decriminalisation as both a legal and public health reform, stressing that people experiencing mental health crises require care, support and appropriate intervention rather than punishment.
According to him, removing the fear of criminal sanctions could help reduce stigma, encourage people to seek help and create opportunities for timely intervention.
Salako, however, stressed that decriminalising attempted suicide alone would not be enough to prevent suicide.
He said the government would continue to strengthen mental health services, expand community-based support, promote early identification and intervention, and encourage more open conversations about mental health.
The minister 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.
