Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the amendment of the National Mental Health Act to allow for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria.
The Minister of Health and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Pate, speaking after the meeting, said suicide is a major public health concern in Nigeria, with the World Health Organisation estimating more than 7,000 deaths annually, with an estimated 300,000 suicide attempts across the country each year.
He said that despite the significant burden, attempted suicide remains criminalised under colonial-era laws, with the Criminal Code Act Section 327 and the Penal Code Section 231, treating individuals experiencing psychological distress as offenders rather than persons in need of care and support.
This legal position, he noted, discourages help-seeking behaviours and also conflicts with the National Mental Health Act 2021, which provides for supportive care, protection, and treatment for individuals at risk of self-harm.
Amendment to Be Transmitted to National Assembly
The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare worked towards an amendment of the Mental Health Act, and the Act has been passed by the FEC.
It is expected to be transmitted to the National Assembly for enactment.
A Major Step Forward for Mental Health
The approval of the amendment represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s approach to mental health, moving away from punitive measures towards a more compassionate, health-based response to individuals in crisis.
Mental health advocates have long campaigned for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide, arguing that criminalising such acts only compounds the suffering of individuals already in distress and prevents them from seeking the help they need.
The current legal framework, which dates back to the colonial era, has been widely criticised as outdated and out of step with international best practices. Many countries around the world have moved to decriminalise attempted suicide, recognising it as a public health issue rather than a criminal one.
Call for Comprehensive Mental Health Support
Health experts have welcomed the development but have also called for increased investment in mental health services and support systems to ensure that individuals in crisis have access to the care they need.
They have also emphasised the need for public awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage people to seek help without fear of legal consequences.
The FEC’s approval of the amendment comes amid growing recognition of the importance of mental health in Nigeria, with the government previously adopting the National Mental Health Act in 2021 to provide a legal framework for mental health care in the country.
The amendment is now expected to be considered by the National Assembly, where it is hoped that it will receive bipartisan support and be enacted into law swiftly.
