Nigeria Moves to Decriminalise Suicide Attempts in Major Mental Health Reform

(Minister of State For Health And Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako. Photo Credit: Vanguard News)

Nigeria's government has approved plans to remove criminal penalties for people who attempt suicide, treating it as a mental health issue rather than a crime.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare announced the decision at a World Suicide Prevention Day event in Abuja.

He said the matter will now be sent to the National Assembly so lawmakers can pass the necessary laws.

The minister explained that this is both a legal and public health reform.

People in mental health crises need support and care, not punishment.

He said removing the fear of criminal charges can help reduce the stigma around suicide, encourage people to seek help and allow for earlier intervention.

However, he cautioned that simply removing criminal penalties won't be enough on its own to prevent suicide.

The government also needs to strengthen mental health services, expand community support and encourage people to talk openly about mental health.

He said the focus will be on early identification and intervention.

The government is using several policy frameworks to guide its approach, including the National Mental Health Act from 2021 and a National Suicide Prevention Strategy running through 2030.

A task force has been consulting with policymakers and other stakeholders to move the reform forward.

Officials acknowledged that Nigeria doesn't have reliable data on suicide and attempted suicide.

The government is working to gather better statistics over the next year using surveys and other methods.

They also plan to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare centres and strengthen community-based support programmes.

Stakeholders at the event welcomed the government's decision and promised to support the legislative process and efforts to strengthen mental health services across the country.