Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Health Minister
Attempted suicide will no longer be a crime in Nigeria soon – Health Minister
The Federal Government is making moves towards decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria.
This position was disclosed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, at news conference in Abuja marking the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day, with the theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.”
According to extant laws in Nigeria, suicide attempts are criminalised under Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act, which states that “any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for one year.”
The minister stated, however, that government about to chang that owing to increasing pressure from stakeholders to decriminalise suicide attempts.
Currently, Nigeria’s suicide rate stands at 12.9 per 100,000. This is particularly high among young people aged 15 to 29.
Consequently, the Federal Government introduced the National Suicide Strategic Framework (2023-2030), aimed at enhancing mental health and preventing suicide.
The framework, launched by the Ministry of Health, outlines key risk and protective factors and sets strategic objectives aligned with international best practices.
Pate highlighted that one of the key policy actions in this document is the de-criminalisation of attempted suicide, emphasizing the need for a supportive rather than punitive approach.
According to him, “Instead of punishment and ostracisation, we must extend helping hands and support, instead of sensationalising reportage.”
He said the ministry is collaborating with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to amend the current law. “Nigeria will soon join the committee of nations that have de-criminalised attempted suicide,” Pate added.
Pate noted that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in this age group across Africa.
For Dr. Walter Mulombo, WHO’s Country Representative, the importance of transforming societal attitudes towards suicide.
Represented by Mary Bantuo, Mulombo highlighted that for every suicide, there are likely to be 20 other people attempting suicide and many more with serious thoughts of suicide.
He said, “This call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention.
“Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to understanding the society. By initiating vital conversations, we can break barriers, raise awareness, and create better support.”
Mulombo highlighted the need for prioritising suicide prevention and mental health in policy-making, calling for policies that increase access to care and provide support for those in need.