The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, announced that the Federal Government is working to decriminalize attempted suicide.
This move is part of the National Suicide Strategic Framework (2023-2030), launched to enhance mental health and prevent suicide.
The current law, Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act, considers attempted suicide a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. However, Pate emphasized that instead of punishment, individuals who attempt suicide need support and help.
According to Pate, Nigeria’s suicide rate is alarmingly high, with 12.9 cases per 100,000 people. The majority of these cases involve young people aged 15 to 29, making suicide the fourth leading cause of death in this age group in Africa, accounting for 40% of all suicide deaths.
The National Suicide Strategic Framework aims to identify risk and protective factors associated with suicide in Nigeria. It outlines strategic objectives, interventions, and indicators for suicide prevention, aligning with international best practices.
Pate confirmed that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is collaborating with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to address the law criminalizing attempted suicide. This move will bring Nigeria in line with countries that have already decriminalized attempted suicide.
The 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day, commemorated on September 10, focuses on “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” This initiative encourages a shift from stigmatizing and punishing individuals who attempt suicide to providing them with the necessary support and care.
By decriminalizing attempted suicide, Nigeria can begin to address the root causes of mental health issues and provide hope for those struggling.
