FEC Approves Bill to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide and Expand Mental Health Care

The Federal Executive Council has approved a proposed amendment to Nigeria’s mental health law that would decriminalise attempted suicide and prioritise treatment, care and psychosocial support. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare said the amendment will be sent to the National Assembly as an executive bill. It seeks to end colonial-era legal provisions that allow people in psychological distress to be treated as offenders. He said suicide causes more than 7,000 deaths annually in Nigeria, with an estimated 300,000 attempts each year. The proposed reform would align the law with a health-based approach that encourages people at risk of self-harm to seek professional help without fear of punishment.

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