Posted by Chinenye on Thu 20th Aug, 2026 - tori.ng
The Nigerian government has approved a major change to the mental health law that could end the criminalisation of attempted suicide.
(Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate. Photo by Punch News)
The government has approved a change to the mental health law to stop treating attempted suicide as a crime in Nigeria.
A health minister said the reform aims to cut suicide deaths and attempts by 15 percent by 2030.
He noted that suicide is a major public health problem in the country and globally.
Data shows more than 7,000 people die by suicide annually in Nigeria, with about 300,000 attempts recorded each year.
The impact goes beyond individuals it affects families, friends and communities.
Over 450,000 Nigerians need mental health support yearly.
Globally, suicide is the third leading cause of d£ath among young people.
Currently, attempted suicide is illegal under old laws that treat people experiencing psychological distress as criminals rather than people needing care.
This discourages people from seeking help and contradicts the 2021 National Mental Health Act, which calls for supportive care and treatment for people at risk of self-h@rm.
The conflicting laws create confusion in Nigeria's mental health and justice system.
The health minister explained that attempting suicide is not a crime.
When someone tries to h@rm themselves because of mental illness, treating them as lawbreakers is wrong.
They're actually ill and need care, not punishment.
It's like prosecuting someone for having an infectious disease.
The change came after discussions with mental health advocates, the Justice Ministry and the National Assembly.
The new bill will be sent to parliament for final approval.
Officials hope decriminalization will reduce both attempted and completed suicides by making people more willing to seek help.