Nigeria: Govt Moves to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide, Targets 15% Reduction By 2030
The reform would shift attempted suicide from a criminal offense to a health issue and aims to cut suicide attempts and deaths by 15% by 2030.
- On Wednesday, the Federal Executive Council approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act to decriminalize attempted suicide in Nigeria, shifting the nation's response from criminal punishment to medical care and support.
- Currently, Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 231 of the Penal Code treat attempted suicide as a crime, a colonial-era approach that discourages vulnerable individuals from seeking professional assistance.
- World Health Organisation estimates suggest more than 7,000 annual suicide deaths and about 300,000 attempts in Nigeria, with more than 450,000 Nigerians requiring psychosocial support annually to meet a 15 per cent reduction target by 2030.
- Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate confirmed the amendment will be transmitted to the National Assembly, following extensive deliberations with mental health advocates and the Attorney-General's Office.
- Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Kingsley Udeh announced the Council also approved the revised National Biotechnology Policy 2026, establishing a national framework to harness bio-economy opportunities and strengthen food security.
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13 Articles
FEC moves to decriminalise attempted suicide
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved an amendment to the country’s mental health law to decriminalise attempted suicide, moving from prosecution of people in psychological distress to treatment, care and support. Addressing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the proposed ame…
FG to decriminalise attempted suicide, approves Mental Health Act
The Federal Government approves the Mental Health Act amendment to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, shifting focus to care and support for those Read More: https://punchng.com/fg-to-decriminalise-attempted-suicide-approves-mental-health-act/
AGI - The Nigerian government intends to decriminalize suicide attempts. A revolutionary measure for the African country, designed to help people to ask for help and not to fear the repercussions linked to a moment of fragility The drama of suicide attempts in Nigeria Currently, in fact, trying to put an end to its existence without succeeding it can make Nigerian citizens run into a series of problems. The gesture is considered a real crime and…
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