The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria.
Speaking after the meeting, the Minister of Health and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Pate, said suicide is a major public health concern in Nigeria. The World Health Organisation estimates more than 7,000 deaths and about 300,000 suicide attempts occur across the country each year.
He noted that despite this significant burden, attempted suicide remains criminalised under colonial-era laws — specifically Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 231 of the Penal Code. These provisions treat individuals experiencing psychological distress as offenders rather than people in need of care and support.
This legal position, he said, discourages help-seeking behaviour and conflicts with the National Mental Health Act 2021, which provides for supportive care, protection and treatment for individuals at risk of self-harm.
The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare jointly developed the amendment, which the FEC has now approved. It is expected to be transmitted to the National Assembly for enactment.
