The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act that would pave the way for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria.
The Minister of Health and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Pate, disclosed the development after the FEC meeting.
Pate described suicide as a major public health concern in Nigeria, citing World Health Organisation estimates that more than 7,000 people die by suicide in the country annually, while an estimated 300,000 suicide attempts are recorded each year.
The proposed amendment is expected to shift the focus from criminal penalties towards a public health and support-based approach for people who attempt suicide.
The move is part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s mental health framework and improve access to appropriate care and support for people experiencing mental health challenges.
