If you attempt suicide, make sure you die – Akpabio

The Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill seeking to create a nationwide suicide prevention framework, decriminalize attempted suicide, and facilitate survivor rehabilitation. However, opposition remains from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who maintains that attempted suicide should remain a criminal offense. The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong from Cross River South, aims to address a perceived discrepancy in Nigeria's laws.

While the National Mental Health Act recognizes attempted suicide as a mental health emergency necessitating treatment, sections of the Criminal Code and Penal Code still criminalize the act. Ekpenyong argued that decriminalization without accessible care would be insufficient, emphasizing that suicide has multifaceted causes and demands a compassionate, health-centered approach.

He warned that retaining criminal penalties could discourage people from seeking help, prompt families to conceal suicide attempts, and hinder the collection of accurate data on the issue. The proposed legislation suggests replacing imprisonment with mandatory assessment, referral, treatment, and follow-up support. It also includes provisions for crisis hotlines, training for law enforcement, educators, and healthcare professionals, public awareness campaigns, and a national database for suicide prevention.

Despite Ekpenyong's advocacy for decriminalization, Akpabio insisted that the state should prioritize punishment over protection, stating that the bill's core question is whether the state should prosecute or support someone who attempts suicide. The bill is now under review by the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further legislative deliberation and a public hearing.