The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide, establish a national suicide prevention framework and provide rehabilitation for survivors, despite opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who insists that the act should remain punishable by imprisonment.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South, seeks to address what he described as a contradiction between Nigeria’s existing criminal laws and its mental health legislation.
Ekpenyong explained that while the National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring medical attention, Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code still classify the act as a criminal offence.
He argued that decriminalisation must go hand in hand with accessible mental healthcare, stressing that suicide has complex causes and requires a compassionate, health-focused response rather than punishment.
“At the heart of this bill is a simple question: when a Nigerian survives a suicide attempt, should the first response of the state be prosecution or protection?” the senator asked.
According to Ekpenyong, criminalising attempted suicide discourages people experiencing suicidal thoughts from seeking assistance, pushes families to conceal such incidents and contributes to inadequate data on the problem.
He also warned that retaining criminal penalties could have dangerous consequences, as people experiencing severe emotional distress might feel pressured to ensure their suicide attempts are fatal to avoid prosecution if they survive.
The proposed legislation seeks to replace imprisonment with mandatory mental health assessments, referrals, treatment and follow-up support for survivors.
It also proposes the introduction of crisis helplines, training for police officers, teachers and healthcare workers, public awareness campaigns and a national data system to support suicide prevention efforts.
Despite the bill’s progress, Akpabio maintained that attempted suicide should remain a criminal offence, arguing that removing the existing penalties could encourage more people to engage in the act.
“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail,” the Senate President said.
Akpabio further noted that the matter involves both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, making it necessary to involve State Houses of Assembly during a public hearing to prevent potential legal conflicts.
Following its passage for second reading, the bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further legislative consideration and a public hearing.
The committees are expected to examine the proposed changes as the legislative process continues.
