Senate Advances Bill to Decriminalise Suicide Attempts as Akpabio Backs Jail Terms

The Senate has passed for second reading a bill that would create a national suicide-prevention framework, decriminalise attempted suicide and provide rehabilitation for survivors. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, said Nigeria’s mental-health law treats an attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency, while criminal laws still prescribe imprisonment. He argued that survivors need assessment, treatment and follow-up support rather than prosecution. The proposal includes crisis helplines, training for police officers, teachers and health workers, public education, and a national suicide-prevention data system. Senate President Godswill Akpabio opposed removing criminal penalties, arguing that the issue requires wider consultation with state legislatures. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further work and a public hearing.

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