Senate passes suicide prevention bill

The Senate passed the Suicide Prevention Bill, 2024 (SB 730) on October 13, 2026.

Mental health groups support bill

Nigerian Mental Health (NMH) and Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group (NSPAWG) welcomed the Senate's move.

Bill aims to decriminalise suicide attempts

The bill seeks to remove criminal penalties for attempted suicide in Nigeria.

Current legal status of suicide attempts

Under Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, attempted suicide remains a criminal offence.

Why criminalisation is harmful

NMH and NSPAWG say criminalisation discourages people experiencing suicidal distress from seeking timely support.

WHO estimates for Nigeria

WHO estimates Nigeria records over 15,000 suicide deaths and roughly 300,000 suicide attempts annually.

Bill's sponsor explains position

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong said attempted suicide should be treated as a mental health emergency requiring medical intervention.

Bill proposes medical support

The bill provides medical assessment, referral, treatment and follow-up support for survivors of suicide attempts.

Bill includes training and education

The bill proposes training for professionals and first responders, public education and stronger national data collection.

Opposition from Senate President

Senate President Godswill Akpabio argued removing imprisonment could encourage suicide attempts.

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

Call for public hearings

NMH and NSPAWG urged Senate committees to allow mental health professionals and affected people to contribute.

NMH's #SuicideNotCrimeNG campaign

NMH launched the #SuicideNotCrimeNG campaign with over 40 mental health organisations and civil society partners.

Next steps for the bill

The bill requires clear responsibilities, sustainable funding and accountability for effective implementation.

NMH's call for action

NMH urged Federal Ministry of Health to operationalise and fund the Department of Mental Health Services.