A psychological health advocacy group, Nigerian Mental Health (NMH), has welcomed the Senate’s passage of the Suicide Prevention Bill, 2024 (SB 730), looking for to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria.
The invoice, sponsored by the senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Asuquo Ekpenyong, handed second studying on 13 October 2026 and was referred to the Senate Committees on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for additional consideration.
NMH and the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group (NSPAWG) made their place identified in a joint assertion shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Friday, calling for inclusive public hearings because the invoice progresses.
The organisations urged the Senate committees to enable psychological health professionals, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals and folks with lived expertise to contribute to the legislative course of.
Why the invoice issues
Under Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, attempted suicide stays a felony offence, with survivors uncovered to the danger of prosecution and imprisonment.
NMH and NSPAWG mentioned criminalisation can discourage folks experiencing suicidal misery and their households from looking for well timed assist.
“A person who survives a suicide attempt should be able to access care without fear of criminal punishment,” the organisations mentioned.
The teams cited World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that Nigeria data greater than 15,000 deaths by suicide and roughly 300,000 suicide makes an attempt yearly.
The invoice’s sponsor, Mr Ekpenyong, mentioned throughout deliberations, that attempted suicide needs to be handled as a mental health emergency requiring medical intervention fairly than felony punishment.
What the invoice proposes
The proposed laws seeks to set up a coordinated nationwide framework for suicide prevention, going past the elimination of felony penalties for attempted suicide.
It proposes medical evaluation, referral, remedy and follow-up assist for individuals who survive suicide makes an attempt, in addition to crisis-response companies.
The invoice additionally offers for coaching of related professionals and first responders, public training and stronger nationwide information assortment.
NMH and NSPAWG mentioned efficient implementation would require clear tasks, sustainable funding and accountability.
The organisations mentioned the invoice’s progress builds on advocacy efforts following the passage of the National Mental Health Act, 2021.
NMH mentioned it launched the #SuicideNotCrimeNG marketing campaign, bringing collectively greater than 40 psychological health organisations, skilled associations and civil society companions calling for an finish to the criminalisation of attempted suicide.
Akpabio’s place
The Senate’s consideration of the invoice additionally featured opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio to eradicating imprisonment as a punishment for attempted suicide.
During the talk, Mr Akpabio argued that eradicating the penalty might encourage suicide makes an attempt.
“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail,” he mentioned.
He additionally known as for ample enter from state Houses of Assembly in the course of the public listening to to keep away from conflicts between the proposed laws and current legal guidelines.
Call for public hearings.
NMH and NSPAWG urged the 2 Senate committees dealing with the invoice to make sure that the following stage of consideration is knowledgeable by proof, the experiences of affected folks and the sensible realities of delivering psychological health companies throughout Nigeria.
“The Senate has moved the process forward; now it is our turn. This next stage, which opens the door to public hearings, is a meaningful opportunity for people with lived experience, mental health professionals, and civil society to engage and help shape a framework that protects lives and upholds human dignity,” mentioned Chime Asonye, founding father of NMH.
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The organisations urged Nigerians, health advocates and group leaders to take part by submitting memoranda and supporting the nationwide petition for decriminalisation.
They additionally renewed their name on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to “operationalise and adequately fund the Department of Mental Health Services established under the National Mental Health Act, 2021.”
“The bill’s passage through second reading is progress, but the legislative process is not over. Nigeria needs a legal and service-delivery framework that prioritises prevention, treatment, recovery and the dignity of people experiencing suicidal distress,” NMH famous.
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