FG begins process to decriminalise attempted suicide

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the process to decriminalise attempted suicide, following the approval by the Federal Executive Council of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare's position on the matter. The decision, announced during the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day commemoration, will now be forwarded to the National Assembly for legislative processes.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, emphasized that the reform is both a legal and public health measure, arguing that individuals experiencing mental health crises require care and support rather than punishment. The government plans to strengthen mental health services and expand community-based support while focusing on early identification and intervention, and promoting more open conversations about mental health.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.