FG Sets December 2025 Deadline to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide in Nigeria

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria, announcing December 2025 as the official target date for this landmark reform.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, during a press briefing in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day, themed “Changing the Narrative on Suicide, Creating Hope Through Action.”

Globally, September 10 is dedicated to raising awareness about suicide and encouraging communities, governments, and institutions to take practical steps to prevent the loss of lives. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 720,000 people die by suicide annually, making it the third leading cause of death among people aged 15–29 years. Alarmingly, 73 per cent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with Nigeria ranking seventh globally in suicide cases.

Criminalisation and Stigma: A Major Barrier

In Nigeria, one of the biggest obstacles to suicide prevention has been the criminalisation of attempted suicide under Sections 327 and 231 of the Criminal and Penal Codes. The punitive nature of the law has discouraged individuals from seeking help during moments of extreme distress, worsening stigma and preventing timely interventions.

Recognising this, the Federal Government inaugurated a National Taskforce on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide on October 10, 2024. The taskforce, chaired by Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, was mandated to provide a clear roadmap for transitioning from a punishment-driven system to a public health–oriented, compassionate response.

Speaking through the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, Prof. Pate noted that reform efforts have advanced significantly, with a government white paper finalised and a draft amendment to the National Mental Health Act 2021—now the National Mental Health Act Amendment Bill 2025—developed to repeal punitive provisions in the Criminal and Penal Codes.

“Evidence shows that with increased public awareness, early identification of warning signs, improved access to mental health care, and compassionate community support, suicide rates can be significantly reduced,” the minister said.

“And this year’s theme calls on us to replace silence with dialogue, shame with empathy, and stigma with understanding. It reminds us that our words matter, our attitudes matter, and our collective actions matter.”

Legislative Steps Towards Reform

Prof. Pate confirmed that the draft white paper and the amendment bill had been reviewed and adopted as the official position of the Health Ministry.

“We have continued statutory engagements with the Attorney-General of the Federation and his team for additional input. After this, I will be presenting a memo at the Federal Executive Council for an Executive Bill on Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide,” he explained.

The goal is to ensure that before the December 2025 deadline, the punitive approach to suicide attempts is fully replaced with a health-centred, compassionate legal and social framework.

A Call for Compassion and Global Alignment

Representing the ministry, Dr. Nse Akpan, Director of Port Health Services, emphasised that suicide cases remain grossly under-reported in Nigeria because of stigma and criminalisation.

“Criminalising suicide attempts does not save lives. Instead, it worsens stigma, discourages people from seeking help, and adds legal punishment to personal suffering,” she said.

“Our ministry is determined to change this narrative by promoting a more humane, health-centred response.”

Similarly, the National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme, Dr. Tunde Ojo, stressed that the proposed reform aligns with global best practices, where suicide is treated as a public health concern rather than a criminal act.

In her goodwill message, Dr. Olufunke Fasawe, Vice President of Integration and Nigeria’s Country Director at the Clinton Health Access Initiative—represented by Dr. Chizoba Fashanu—highlighted that Nigeria’s high ranking in global suicide cases made legal and systemic reforms a national priority.

Looking Ahead

With less than four months to the December 2025 deadline, the Federal Government’s plan to decriminalise attempted suicide signals a shift towards empathy, understanding, and improved mental health care for millions of Nigerians.

If implemented, Nigeria will join the growing number of countries adopting evidence-based, health-oriented responses to suicide prevention, aiming to save lives while dismantling stigma.

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