Nigeria Moves to Decriminalize Attempted Suicide

Nigeria's Federal Executive Council has approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act 2021 to remove attempted suicide from the country's criminal laws. Health Minister Ali Pate stated that the proposed bill will be transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and passage. The current laws, which are inherited from the colonial era, allow for the arrest and prosecution of individuals who survive suicide attempts. Minister Pate explained that the goal of the reform is to shift the national response from punishment to medical and psychological support. The government aims to reduce suicide attempts and completed suicides by 15 percent by 2030. The proposed change follows consultations with the ministry of justice, the attorney general's office, and mental health advocates. Additionally, the council approved the National Centre for Oral Health Establishment Bill 2026 to create a statutory framework for a national referral and research institution for oral health. One report noted that these decriminalization efforts come while authorities face a severe shortage of mental health professionals.