The Federal Government has announced plans to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria by December 2025.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a press briefing to mark the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day themed “Changing the Narrative on Suicide, Creating Hope Through Action.”
Pate, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said the reform is aimed at replacing punishment with a compassionate, public health–focused response.
“Evidence shows that with increased public awareness, early identification of warning signs, improved access to mental health care, and compassionate community support, suicide rates can be significantly reduced,” he said.
The minister noted that criminalisation has long discouraged people in distress from seeking help due to fear of prosecution, thereby worsening stigma.
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To drive the reform, the Federal Government inaugurated a National Taskforce on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide on October 10, 2024, chaired by Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe. The taskforce was given the mandate to ensure that the shift from punitive measures to a health-based approach is completed before the end of this year.
According to the World Health Organisation, over 720,000 people die from suicide annually, making it the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29. Nearly three-quarters of these cases occur in low- and middle-income countries.
With less than four months to the deadline, the government has reaffirmed its resolve to deliver on the reform and provide a safer, more supportive environment for Nigerians battling mental health challenges.