FEC moves to decriminalise attempted suicide

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a legal change to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, shifting focus from punishment to providing treatment, care and support for those in psychological distress. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the amendment to the National Mental Health Act would be presented to the National Assembly as an executive Bill.

The current colonial-era provisions treat attempted suicide as a criminal offence, which Pate believes should be handled as a public health and mental health concern instead of a legal matter. With suicide accounting for over 7,000 deaths annually in Nigeria, and 300,000 attempted suicides each year, Pate emphasized the need for a more compassionate approach to mental health issues.

He noted that the existing laws discourage individuals from seeking help and are inconsistent with the National Mental Health Act, which aims to provide treatment, protection, and support for those at risk of self-harm. Pate stressed that attempting suicide should not be considered a crime, likening the current approach to punishing someone for suffering from an illness.

The reform intends to change the paradigm, ensuring people requiring medical and psychosocial support receive the care they need. The Federal Government hopes this change will reduce attempted suicides by 15 per cent by 2030, addressing the increasing burden of mental ill-health and eliminating legal barriers that prevent vulnerable individuals from seeking professional assistance.