FG Sets December 2025 to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide as WHO Warns of Rising Global Suicide Rates

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria by December 2025, aligning with global efforts to address suicide as a pressing public health concern.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day, themed “Changing the narrative on suicide, creating hope through action.” He explained that Sections 327 and 231 of the Criminal and Penal Codes, which currently criminalise attempted suicide, have worsened stigma, discouraged help-seeking and failed to save lives.

To reverse this trend, the Federal Government inaugurated a National Taskforce on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide on October 10, 2024. Chaired by Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, the taskforce was mandated to guide the transition from punishment to a health-centred, compassionate response. Pate, represented by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, confirmed that a government white paper and a draft amendment to the National Mental Health Act 2021 had been developed into the National Mental Health Act Amendment Bill 2025, with consultations ongoing with the Attorney-General of the Federation.

“Evidence shows that with increased public awareness, early identification of warning signs, improved access to mental health care, and community support, suicide rates can be significantly reduced. Criminalisation only worsens stigma and adds legal punishment to personal suffering. Our goal is to actualise decriminalisation by December 2025” he said.

The development comes as the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that more than 720,000 people die by suicide every year, with many more attempting it. WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, emphasised that suicide remains the third leading cause of death among people aged 15–29, affecting all regions of the world. Nearly 73% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries, with Africa recording one of the highest regional rates at 11.5 per 100,000 people.

Tedros stressed the need to “shift the narrative” from silence to openness and from stigma to empathy, urging governments to prioritise mental health care. He noted that while high-income nations spend up to $65 per person on mental health, low-income countries spend as little as $0.04, leaving a huge treatment gap.

WHO’s LIVE LIFE initiative recommends restricting access to means of suicide such as pesticides, firearms, and certain medications, ensuring responsible media reporting, promoting socio-emotional life skills in adolescents, and providing timely treatment and follow-up for those at risk.

At the Abuja briefing, Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr. Nse Akpan, said Nigeria must break the cycle of stigma and criminalisation. “The reality is clear: criminalising suicide attempts does not save lives. Instead, it worsens stigma, discourages people from seeking help, and punishes individuals already in distress. Our ministry is determined to change this narrative,” she said.

Supporting the government’s efforts, the National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme, Dr. Tunde Ojo, said the reform aligns with global best practices, while Dr. Olufunke Fasawe of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, represented by Dr. Chizoba Fashanu, noted that Nigeria currently ranks seventh globally in suicide cases, underlining the urgency for reform.

As the world marks World Suicide Prevention Day, Nigeria’s commitment to decriminalisation by December 2025 is seen as a significant step toward creating a supportive environment where distressed individuals feel safe to seek help without fear of legal consequences.