By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Federal Government has set December 2025 as the deadline to conclude the process of decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria, marking a decisive shift from punishment to compassion in the nation’s approach to mental health challenges.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, during a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide, Creating Hope Through Action,” underscored the urgency of the reforms.
Prof. Pate, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms. Daju Kachollom, explained that the decision was informed by increasing cases of suicide and attempted suicide, largely fuelled by the country’s difficult economic realities, including inflation, unemployment, and widespread poverty. According to him, criminalising people already in distress has failed to deter suicide but instead has perpetuated stigma, discouraged individuals from seeking help, and compounded their suffering.
“The reality is clear: criminalising suicide attempts does not save lives,” Kachollom said. “Instead, it worsens stigma, discourages people from seeking help, and adds legal punishment to personal suffering. This reform is long overdue if we are to offer Nigerians the kind of compassionate and responsive mental health system they deserve.”
Platform Times reported, stating the minister disclosed that the Federal Government has finalised work on a white paper and a draft amendment bill titled the National Mental Health Act Amendment Bill 2025, which will repeal punitive provisions in the existing Criminal and Penal Codes. The bill is currently awaiting input from the Attorney-General of the Federation and is expected to be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval before the December deadline.
The development follows the inauguration of a National Taskforce on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide in October 2024, chaired by legal scholar and health law expert, Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe. The taskforce was mandated to coordinate the transition from a punitive legal framework to a health-centred model, where suicide is recognised as a public health concern rather than a crime.
Also speaking at the briefing, the National Mental Health Programme Coordinator, Dr. Tunde Ojo, emphasised that the reform would bring Nigeria in line with global best practices. He noted that countries that have decriminalised suicide have seen improvements in early intervention, increased access to care, and reduced stigma.
“This is not just about changing the law; it is about changing how we see and respond to people in distress,” Ojo explained. “We want Nigerians to know that if you are struggling, you will be met with care, not punishment. That is the message this reform is sending.”
Statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlight the urgency of the government’s action. Over 720,000 people die by suicide every year worldwide, with about 75 percent of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. Experts say that the true figures in Nigeria are likely much higher than reported, as many cases remain hidden due to stigma and fear of prosecution.
Prof. Pate stressed that beyond legal reform, Nigeria must strengthen its mental health services, improve early detection of warning signs, and expand access to counselling and community-based interventions. He added that religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and the media have a critical role to play in reshaping public attitudes towards suicide and mental health.
“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,” Pate affirmed. “Our collective responsibility is to ensure that no Nigerian feels abandoned in their darkest moment.”
The Federal Government’s commitment signals a historic step toward ending decades of punitive laws and represents a turning point in Nigeria’s mental health landscape. If successful, the reform will not only protect vulnerable citizens but also affirm the country’s resolve to prioritise dignity, empathy, and hope in tackling one of the most pressing public health challenges of the modern era.