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The Nigerian Government has begun moves to decriminalise attempted suicide after approving the Health Ministry’s position on the reform.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday during the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day commemoration.
Salako, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said the proposal would now be forwarded to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process.
He described the proposed reform as both a legal and public health measure, saying people experiencing mental health crises needed care rather than punishment.
“A person experiencing a mental health crisis should be met with care, support and appropriate intervention, rather than punishment,” Salako said.
He added that removing criminal penalties could reduce stigma, encourage people to seek help and create opportunities for earlier intervention.
“Removing the fear of criminal sanctions can help reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking and create greater opportunities for timely intervention,” he said.
Salako, however, said decriminalising attempted suicide alone would not be enough to prevent suicide.
He said the government would continue to strengthen mental health services, expand community-based support and improve early identification and intervention. The minister also called for more open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
He cited the National Mental Health Act 2021, National Mental Health Policy 2023 and National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023–2030 as key policies guiding Nigeria’s response to mental health challenges.
Salako said the National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide had consulted policymakers and other stakeholders to advance the proposed reform.
Speaking on Nigeria’s suicide data, National Coordinator of the Mental Health Programme, Dr Tunde Ojo, acknowledged gaps in available statistics on suicide and attempted suicide.
Ojo said the ministry was using surveys and other data-gathering methods to produce more accurate and verifiable national statistics within the next year.
The National Coordinator, National Action for Suicide Prevention, Dr Ade Bash, also reaffirmed plans to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare and strengthen community-based interventions.
Stakeholders at the event welcomed the government’s decision and pledged continued support for the legislative process and efforts to strengthen suicide prevention and mental healthcare.
