The Federal Government has taken a major step towards the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria, following the approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of the position of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the matter.
The Honourable Minister of State disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day, held under the theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” Represented by the Permanent Secretary , Daju Kachollom S. mni, the Minister said the matter would now proceed to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process, expressing optimism that it would be concluded without delay.
He described the decriminalisation of attempted suicide as both a legal and public health imperative, stressing that a person experiencing a mental health crisis should receive care, support and appropriate intervention rather than punishment. “A person experiencing a mental health crisis should be met with care, support and appropriate intervention, rather than punishment. Removing the fear of criminal sanctions can help reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking and create greater opportunities for timely intervention,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that legislation alone would not prevent suicide, noting that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen mental health services, promote early identification and intervention, expand community-based support and foster open conversations around mental health. He said the reform was consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of and , the administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health system and improving access to quality healthcare.
Dr. Salako also highlighted the National Mental Health Act, 2021; National Mental Health Policy, 2023; and National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023–2030 as key instruments guiding the national response. He noted that the National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide had undertaken extensive stakeholder consultations, policy dialogue, advocacy and sensitisation, including engagement with policymakers across the three arms of government, to support the reform process.
In opening remarks delivered on behalf of the Director Public Health, Dr. Charles Nzelu, the National Coordinator, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening mental health services, integrating mental health into primary healthcare, expanding community-based interventions and deepening partnerships for suicide prevention. Responding to questions and concerns around national data on mental health, suicide and attempted suicide, the National Coordinator, Mental Health Programme, Dr. Tunde Ojo, acknowledged the need to strengthen Nigeria’s evidence base.
He said the Ministry was using surveys and other data-generation tools to produce accurate and verifiable national statistics within the next year, while thanking partners and stakeholders for their continued support and contributions to the engagements that have advanced the reform process. Partners and stakeholders at the commemoration welcomed the Federal Government’s decision and reaffirmed their continued support for Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen mental health services, advance suicide prevention and support the legislative process towards decriminalisation.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening mental health services, advancing suicide prevention and ensuring that Nigerians experiencing mental health challenges can access care without fear, stigma or discrimination
