The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a proposed amendment to Nigeria’s National Mental Health Act 2021 to decriminalize attempted suicide and replace prosecution with medical and psychosocial care.
The decision was taken on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosing it after the Council meeting in Abuja.
Pate said the amendment would be forwarded to the National Assembly as an Executive Bill, seeking to repeal colonial-era provisions criminalizing attempted suicide.
He cited Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 231 of the Penal Code, saying the provisions can discourage people in psychological distress from seeking help and conflict with the treatment-focused framework of the National Mental Health Act.
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The minister said consultations with relevant government institutions, mental health advocates and other stakeholders had preceded the proposed reform.
Citing World Health Organization figures, Pate said Nigeria records more than 7,000 suicide deaths annually and about 300,000 attempts. He said the Federal Government is targeting a 15 per cent reduction in suicide cases by 2030.
The move follows the inauguration of a National Task Force on the Decriminalization of Attempted Suicide on October 10, 2024, to advance legal reforms on the issue.
FEC’s approval does not alter the law immediately. The amendment must be passed by the National Assembly before the existing criminal provisions can be repealed.
If enacted, the reform would shift Nigeria’s approach from punishment towards treatment, prevention and support.