Senate Advances Bill to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide, Provide Rehabilitation

Senate Advances Bill to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide, Provide Rehabilitation

The Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish a national framework for suicide prevention, decriminalise attempted suicide and provide rehabilitation and support for survivors.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, seeks to address what he described as a contradiction between Nigeria’s mental health legislation and existing criminal laws.

Ekpenyong noted that while the National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring treatment, Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code still criminalise the act.

He argued that decriminalisation must go hand in hand with accessible mental health services, stressing that suicide has complex causes and requires a humane, health-focused response.

“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.

He warned that criminalising attempted suicide could discourage people from seeking help, force families to conceal incidents and undermine accurate data collection. He also cautioned that the fear of prosecution could worsen the risks faced by people experiencing severe emotional distress.

The proposed legislation seeks to replace imprisonment with mandatory mental health assessment, referral, treatment and follow-up support. It also provides for crisis helplines, public awareness campaigns, a national suicide-prevention data system and training for police officers, teachers and healthcare workers.

However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio opposed the proposed decriminalisation, arguing that removing criminal penalties could encourage suicide attempts.

“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail,” Akpabio said.

He further argued that the issue involves both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, adding that State Houses of Assembly should be involved through a public hearing to prevent 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.

Senate Advances Bill to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide, Provide Rehabilitation