Federal Government has taken a step to decriminalising attempted suicide, setting December 2025 as the target for the reform.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, said the reform would help reduce stigma and strengthen suicide prevention efforts nationwide.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Daju Kachollom, the minister explained that in October 2024, the Federal Government inaugurated a National Taskforce on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide to spearhead the transition from punitive measures to compassionate care.
“The taskforce was mandated to guide the shift from punishment to a public health-oriented response, with a target of December 2025 to actualise decriminalisation. We have less than four months left. Further engagements have been held with the Attorney-General of the Federation, and I will soon present a memo at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for an Executive Bill. Very soon, criminalisation will be a thing of the past in Nigeria,” Professor Pate said.
Kachollom, represented by the Director of Port Health Services, Dr. Nse Akpan, expressed concern over the rising suicide trend in Nigeria, worsened by stigma and lack of reporting. He called for more targeted awareness campaigns and stronger reporting of suicide cases.
“Though cases are underreported due to stigma and legal constraints, we know suicide is a growing concern that cuts across all groups. The human, social, and economic costs are immense,” he said.
The National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme, Dr. Tunde Ojo, said the planned reform aligned with global best practices by treating suicide as a public health challenge. He called for increased mental health education and awareness, particularly among young people.
Non-governmental organisations at the event also highlighted the need for workplace mental health initiatives, proactive prevention strategies, and community-driven interventions.
The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide, Creating Hope Through Action.”
RN
