The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s position to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, paving the way for the proposed reform to proceed to the National Assembly.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day.
Read also: Workers Shut Education Ministry Gates, Block Alausa From Office
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom S. mni, Salako said the decriminalisation would replace the punishment of people who attempt suicide with care, support and timely intervention.
According to him, the reform is both a public health and human rights imperative, as criminal sanctions could discourage people experiencing mental health crises from seeking help.
“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 the fear of criminal sanctions could reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking and provide greater opportunities for timely intervention.
The minister said following the FEC approval, the matter would now proceed to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process, expressing optimism that the process would be concluded without delay.
Salako disclosed that the Ministry had established the National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide, comprising government representatives, academics, professional associations, civil society organisations, development partners and persons with lived experience.
Read also: Nigeria, Cyprus Seek Stronger Economic Ties as Ambassador Ufochukwu Assumes Duty
He said the task force had undertaken extensive stakeholder consultations, engaged policymakers across the three arms of government and developed a Government White Paper to guide the decision on decriminalisation.
Salako stressed that while the FEC approval represented a major milestone, legislative reform alone would not be sufficient to prevent suicide.
He said the government would continue to strengthen mental health services and expand access to care, while promoting early identification and intervention and reducing stigma around mental health challenges.
The minister urged stakeholders, including civil society organisations, faith and traditional leaders, healthcare professionals, the media and Nigerians generally, to support the move and help change the narrative around suicide.
The Federal Government’s position marks a significant shift from treating attempted suicide primarily as a criminal matter towards addressing it as a mental health and public health concern.
Dr. Akanmu Mujitaba, Mental Health Programme Manager, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Nigeria,in his goodwill message stated that suicide remains a significant public health concern, disclosing that globally, over 700,000 lives are lost to suicide each year, with more than 70% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
In Nigeria, he said, the World Health Organisation estimates over 7,000 suicide deaths and roughly 300,000 suicide attempts annually, noting that behind each figure are families and communities changed by loss, and a clear reminder that suicide is preventable when systems, policy, and compassion act together.
Read also: Alsusa Assures Nigerian Teachers of Tinubu’s Support, Says ‘You Will Never Be Forgotten’
While reaffirming CHAI’s continued support, he commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Mental Health Programme for driving this milestone, describing the Council’s approval, as a beginning, therefore, encouraged the Ministry to carry this achievement through to full legislative passage soon.
Spark News reports that the World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on 10 September to raise awareness about suicide prevention and promote collective action to reduce suicide and suicidal behaviour globally.