FEC Approves Health Ministry’s Position as Bill Heads to National Assembly
The Federal Government has begun moves to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria following the approval of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s position on the matter by the Federal Executive Council.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja during the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day commemoration.
Salako, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said the proposed reform would now be forwarded to the National Assembly for the necessary legislative process.
He said people experiencing mental health crises should receive care and support rather than punishment, adding that removing criminal sanctions could reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help.
“A person experiencing a mental health crisis should be met with care, support and appropriate intervention, rather than punishment,” Salako said.
The minister stressed that decriminalisation alone would not be enough to prevent suicide, saying the government would continue to strengthen mental health services, expand community-based support and promote early identification and intervention.
He cited the National Mental Health Act 2021, National Mental Health Policy 2023 and National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023–2030 as key instruments guiding the country’s response.
Salako added that the National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide had consulted policymakers and other stakeholders to advance the proposed reform.
Meanwhile, the National Coordinator, Mental Health Programme, Dr Tunde Ojo, acknowledged gaps in Nigeria’s available suicide data, saying the ministry was working to produce more accurate national statistics within the next year.
Stakeholders at the event welcomed the proposed decriminalisation and pledged support for the legislative process and broader efforts to strengthen suicide prevention and mental healthcare.