Nigeria’s Senate has moved a bill to decriminalize attempted suicide to committee review, while provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code continue to allow penalties in the jurisdictions where they apply.
The Senate passed the bill’s second reading on Oct. 13 and referred it to its judiciary and health committees, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation said. Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, the measure proposes medical assessment, referral, treatment and follow-up for survivors. It also includes crisis helplines, training for police and health workers, public-awareness programs and a national data system.
Ekpenyong argued that criminal penalties can discourage people from seeking help and lead families to conceal attempts, according to the ministry’s account. The bill would shift the legal response toward care while setting out services for survivors.
The National Mental Health Act, 2021 classifies attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate intervention. Section 327 of the Criminal Code makes a person who attempts suicide liable to one year in prison. Section 231 of the Penal Code allows imprisonment for up to one year or a fine.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned that removing the penalties could encourage attempted suicide, the ministry reported. He said State Houses of Assembly should be involved in the legislative process and called for a public hearing with relevant stakeholders.
On Sept. 10, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s position favoring decriminalization. The ministry said the matter would proceed to the National Assembly and that legal reform needed investment in mental-health services and earlier intervention. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Iziaq Adekunle Salako said people in crisis should receive “care, support and appropriate intervention, rather than punishment.”
In a Premium Times opinion column, Margaret Uddin Ojeahere also urged the National Assembly to decriminalize attempted suicide and fully implement the 2021 act.
The Senate committees are expected to hold a public hearing and make recommendations to the chamber. No hearing date was provided in the ministry’s account.
