FG sets deadline to decriminalise attempted suicide

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to ending the criminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria, with December 2025 set as the target for the reform. The announcement was made today in Abuja by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, during a briefing to mark the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day.

Globally, September 10 is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day to raise awareness and recommit to saving lives. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 720,000 people die by suicide annually, with 73 percent of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Suicide also ranks as the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29.

In Nigeria, experts have long argued that criminalising attempted suicide under Sections 327 and 231 of the Criminal and Penal Codes discourages people in distress from seeking help and worsens stigma. To address this, the Federal Government set up a National Taskforce on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide in October 2024, chaired by Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe.

Speaking on behalf of the minister, Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom stressed the need for a more compassionate approach. She noted that increased public awareness, early identification of warning signs, better access to mental health care, and stronger community support could significantly reduce suicide rates.

The government said the taskforce has been mandated to oversee Nigeria’s transition from punishment to a public health–oriented response. With less than four months to the December deadline, the reform is expected to mark a major step in reducing stigma and ensuring that vulnerable Nigerians get help rather than punishment.