FG Moves To Decriminalise Attempted Suicide
The move follows years of advocacy as officials say criminal sanctions deter help-seeking and deepen stigma around mental health crises.
- On Thursday, the Federal Government moved to decriminalize attempted suicide after the Federal Executive Council approved the Health Ministry's position. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Iziaq Salako announced the decision will proceed to the National Assembly for legislative action.
- Salako described the reform as a public health and human rights imperative, arguing people in mental health crises need care rather than punishment. "Removing the fear of criminal sanctions can help reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking and create greater opportunities for timely intervention," he said.
- World Health Organisation estimates indicate more than 7,000 deaths and about 300,000 attempts occur in Nigeria annually, while global data shows more than 700,000 suicide deaths each year. Over 70 per cent occur in low- and middle-income nations.
- The National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide facilitated extensive stakeholder engagement involving legal experts and mental health professionals. The Ministry remains committed to integrating mental health services into primary healthcare and strengthening community-based interventions.
- National Coordinator Tunde Ojo emphasized that legislation alone is insufficient to prevent suicide. The Ministry is currently utilizing surveys to generate more accurate national statistics within the next year to support ongoing mental health policy efforts.
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Daily Post Nigeria
Flying EzeNigerian Govt moves to decriminalise attempted suicide
The Federal Government has moved to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria. This came against the backdrop of the approval by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, of the position of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the subject. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this during the […] Nigerian Govt moves to decriminalise attempted suicide
Nigeria: FG Begins Process to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide
The Federal Government has begun the process of removing criminal penalties for attempted suicide after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the position of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the issue.
Nigeria to Decriminalise Suicide Attempt
The Nigerian Government has begun moves to decriminalise attempted suicide after approving the Health Ministry’s position on the reform. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday 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 nec…
Exclusive: Mental Health Advocate Backs FG’s Move to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide
By Omoyeni Ojeifo Nigeria’s move to decriminalize attempted suicide could transform mental health care, ensuring people in crisis receive support rather than punishment, says advocate Amb. Gloria Tor. Speaking to PersecondNews, the ASAEI founder backed the reform, emphasizing that removing criminal penalties will eliminate fear and empower individuals to seek help from professionals, counselors, and […]
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