FG moves to replace punishment with compassion in mental health response
The Federal Government has announced that it will officially decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria by December 2025, marking a historic shift from a punitive approach to a public health–oriented response. The move, authorities say, will save lives, reduce stigma, and encourage more people in distress to seek timely help.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this commitment on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day. He noted that the government has finalised a white paper and developed a draft amendment to the National Mental Health Act 2021, now titled the National Mental Health Act Amendment Bill 2025, aimed at repealing punitive provisions under Sections 327 and 231 of Nigeria’s Criminal and Penal Codes.
Prof. Pate, represented at the event by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, explained that the reform process is already at an advanced stage. The draft amendment and policy position have been reviewed, adopted, and are undergoing statutory consultations with the Attorney-General of the Federation for legal fine-tuning. He added that an executive memo will soon be presented to the Federal Executive Council, paving the way for the official introduction of a bill on decriminalisation before the National Assembly.
“This reform is not just about repealing old laws. It is about replacing silence with dialogue, shame with empathy, and stigma with understanding,” Pate said. “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.”
Globally, suicide remains a major public health challenge. According to the World Health Organisation, over 720,000 people die by suicide every year, making it the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29. Alarmingly, 73 per cent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. Experts note that the country ranks seventh in the world for suicide cases, a figure worsened by under-reporting due to stigma and fear of criminal prosecution.
For decades, Nigeria’s laws treated attempted suicide as a crime punishable by imprisonment, a reality that has discouraged individuals from seeking help in moments of crisis. The Coordinating Minister stressed that such punitive measures neither save lives nor reduce suicide rates. Instead, they deepen stigma, silence victims, and compound their suffering with legal consequences.
In recognition of this urgent need for change, the Federal Government inaugurated a National Taskforce on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide on October 10, 2024. Chaired by Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, the task force was charged with guiding the country’s transition from criminalisation to compassion. The group has since provided recommendations on legislative reforms, awareness campaigns, and strengthening mental health services nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director of Port Health Services, Dr. Nse Akpan, said the ministry is determined to “change the narrative” by creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment. She stressed that criminalising suicide attempts only compounds the problem by deterring people from seeking professional or community support.
“The reality is clear: criminalising suicide attempts does not save lives. Our ministry is committed to promoting a humane, health-centred response that prioritises prevention, care, and compassion,” Kachollom said.
The National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme, Dr. Tunde Ojo, added that the reform aligns with global best practices, where suicide is addressed as a public health concern rather than a criminal offence.
In a goodwill message delivered at the briefing, the Vice President of Integration and Nigeria Country Director of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Dr. Olufunke Fasawe, represented by Dr. Chizoba Fashanu, urged Nigeria to act swiftly. She reminded stakeholders that the country’s high suicide ranking demands urgent reforms and stronger investments in mental health support systems.
As the countdown to December begins, advocates say the planned reform carries not just legal significance but also moral weight. By decriminalising attempted suicide, Nigeria will be sending a clear message that its most vulnerable citizens deserve help and hope, not handcuffs.
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