Mental health group welcomes Senate move to decriminalise attempted suicide

A mental health advocacy group, Nigerian Mental Health (NMH), has welcomed the Senate’s passage of the Suicide Prevention Bill, 2024 (SB 730), seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria.

The bill, sponsored by the senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Asuquo Ekpenyong, passed second reading on 13 October 2026 and was referred to the Senate Committees on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further consideration.

NMH and the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group (NSPAWG) made their position known in a joint statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Friday, calling for inclusive public hearings as the bill progresses.

The organisations urged the Senate committees to allow mental health professionals, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals and people with lived experience to contribute to the legislative process.

Why the bill matters

Under Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, attempted suicide remains a criminal offence, with survivors exposed to the risk of prosecution and imprisonment.

NMH and NSPAWG said criminalisation can discourage people experiencing suicidal distress and their families from seeking timely support.

“A person who survives a suicide attempt should be able to access care without fear of criminal punishment,” the organisations said.

The groups cited World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that Nigeria records more than 15,000 deaths by suicide and roughly 300,000 suicide attempts annually.

The bill’s sponsor, Mr Ekpenyong, said during deliberations, that attempted suicide should be treated as a mental health emergency requiring medical intervention rather than criminal punishment.

What the bill proposes

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a coordinated national framework for suicide prevention, going beyond the removal of criminal penalties for attempted suicide.

It proposes medical assessment, referral, treatment and follow-up support for people who survive suicide attempts, as well as crisis-response services.

The bill also provides for training of relevant professionals and first responders, public education and stronger national data collection.

NMH and NSPAWG said effective implementation would require clear responsibilities, sustainable funding and accountability.

The organisations said the bill’s progress builds on advocacy efforts following the passage of the National Mental Health Act, 2021.

NMH said it launched the #SuicideNotCrimeNG campaign, bringing together more than 40 mental health organisations, professional associations and civil society partners calling for an end to the criminalisation of attempted suicide.

Akpabio’s position

The Senate’s consideration of the bill also featured opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio to removing imprisonment as a punishment for attempted suicide.

During the debate, Mr Akpabio argued that removing the penalty could encourage suicide attempts.

“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail,” he said.

He also called for adequate input from state Houses of Assembly during the public hearing to avoid conflicts between the proposed legislation and existing laws.

Call for public hearings.

NMH and NSPAWG urged the two Senate committees handling the bill to ensure that the next stage of consideration is informed by evidence, the experiences of affected people and the practical realities of delivering mental health services across Nigeria.

“The Senate has moved the process forward; now it is our turn. This next stage, which opens the door to public hearings, is a meaningful opportunity for people with lived experience, mental health professionals, and civil society to engage and help shape a framework that protects lives and upholds human dignity,” said Chime Asonye, founder of NMH.

ALSO READ: World Mental Health Day: NHRC seeks inclusion of human rights focus in strategic plan

The organisations urged Nigerians, health advocates and community leaders to participate by submitting memoranda and supporting the national petition for decriminalisation.

They also renewed their call on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to “operationalise and adequately fund the Department of Mental Health Services established under the National Mental Health Act, 2021.”

“The bill’s passage through second reading is progress, but the legislative process is not over. Nigeria needs a legal and service-delivery framework that prioritises prevention, treatment, recovery and the dignity of people experiencing suicidal distress,” NMH noted.