FG moves to decriminalise attempted suicide, shifts focus to care and support

The Federal Government has taken steps to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, following the approval of an amendment to the National Mental Health Act by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The proposed amendment, approved on Wednesday, will be transmitted to the National Assembly for enactment. It seeks to replace punishment with care, protection and support for people who attempt to take their own lives.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.

Pate said the move was necessary because provisions in the Criminal Code Act and Penal Code, inherited from the colonial era, still criminalise attempted suicide despite the National Mental Health Act 2021 adopting a more supportive approach to people at risk of self-harm.

According to him, the existing law has created a contradiction in Nigeria’s legal and mental health framework and may discourage vulnerable persons from seeking help.

“The idea is that attempted suicide is not a crime. This legal approach discourages help-seeking behaviours and also conflicts with our national mental health policy and the National Mental Health Act 2021,” Pate said.

He described suicide as a major public health concern, citing World Health Organisation estimates of more than 7,000 suicide-related deaths annually and about 300,000 attempts across Nigeria each year.

Pate said the amendment was the outcome of consultations involving the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare and Justice, the Office of the Attorney-General, mental health advocates, a special task force and the National Assembly.

He said the task force was established following a resolution of the House of Representatives, which supported efforts to amend the law and align it with the country’s mental health policy.

FEC approves major health infrastructure projects

Meanwhile, the Federal Executive Council also approved a series of major investments aimed at upgrading Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.

Among the approvals was the National Centre for Oral Health Establishment Bill 2026, which will also be forwarded to the National Assembly.

The proposed centre is expected to serve as a national referral, research and training institution while providing a stronger legal and institutional framework for tackling oral diseases and related conditions.

FEC also approved several projects for the National Hospital, Abuja, including an administrative block valued at N18.74 million, modular clinics and a theatre complex estimated at N64.92 billion, a high-end wing costing N103 billion and a Neuroscience Institute valued at N69 billion.

Pate said the proposed Neuroscience Institute would provide specialised services in neurosurgery, radiology, intervention and rehabilitation for patients with conditions such as stroke, brain tumours and other neurological disorders.

The Council further approved N302.3 billion for the design, construction, furnishing, equipment, supervision and commissioning of a National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) Centre.

The cancer research and treatment centre is expected to be completed within 36 months and will serve as a major institution for cancer treatment, research, innovation and capacity building.

Pate noted that three upgraded cancer centres in Katsina, Benin and Enugu had already been completed and inaugurated.

According to the minister, the investments are part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to modernise the health sector, improve access to specialised care and reduce the need for Nigerians to travel long distances—or abroad—for treatment.

He added that the projects followed due process and competitive procurement procedures, with necessary clearances obtained from the Bureau of Public Procurement.

“Ultimately, quality healthcare is not cheap,” Pate said, stressing that Nigeria must continue to invest in its health system to deliver the level of care required by its growing population.

The minister also expressed optimism that improved healthcare facilities and working conditions would help retain more Nigerian health professionals and reduce the pressure driving medical workers to seek opportunities outside the country.

NAN