The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, has announced that the Federal Government is working towards decriminalizing attempted suicide in Nigeria.
Currently, suicide attempts are classified as a crime in Article 327 of the Criminal Code Law, which states that “Any person who attempts suicide is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be sentenced to one year in prison.”
However, Pate revealed that there has been growing pressure from stakeholders to decriminalise such attempts during a press conference in Abuja on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day 2024, the theme of which is ““Changing the narrative about suicide.”
The suicide rate in Nigeria stands at 12.9 per 100,000, especially among youth aged 15-29. In response, the Federal Government introduced the National Strategic Framework Against Suicide (2023-2030), aimed at improving mental health and preventing suicide. The framework, launched by the Ministry of Health, outlines key risk and protective factors and sets out strategic objectives aligned with international best practices.
Pate stressed that one of the key policy actions in this document is the decriminalization of attempted suicide.
Supportive Approaches
The Minister stressed the need for a supportive rather than punitive approach, stating: “Instead of punishing and ostracizing, we should offer help and support, rather than publishing sensationalist reports.”
He said the ministry is working with the Federal Attorney General’s Office to amend the current law. “Nigeria will soon join the committee of nations that have decriminalized attempted suicide,” Pate was added.
Pate noted that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in this age group across Africa.
Dr Walter Mulombo, WHO Country Representative, stressed the importance of transforming social attitudes towards suicide. Represented by Mary Bantuo, Mulombo stressed that for every suicide, there are likely to be 20 other people attempting suicide and many more with serious suicidal thoughts.
“This call to action encourages everyone to start a conversation about suicide and suicide prevention.” said Mulombo. “Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to understanding society. By starting vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness and create better support.”
Mulombo further stressed the need to prioritise suicide prevention and mental health in policy-making, calling for policies that increase access to care and provide support to those in need.
What you should know
Mental health issues remain widespread across Nigeria. The Lagos State Government has launched psychiatric services at the Isolo General Hospital, thereby expanding mental health support in the region. The clinic will operate every Friday at 9am and provide critical psychiatric care to residents of Isolo and its environs.
The Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, reported a 100% increase in psychiatric admissions in 2023, with a 7% increase in new cases and a 3% increase in follow-up patients. This increase is largely attributed to the rising prevalence of mental illness, compounded by economic hardship and socio-economic factors, as well as issues such as lack of staff and funding.
