The Federal Government on Thursday, said it was working towards decriminalising suicide attempts in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, at a news conference in Abuja in commemoration of the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day.
Pate was represented at the event by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom.
Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act states that, “Any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for one year.”
According to the health minister, the ministry had launched the National Suicide Strategic Framework (2023-2030) to enhance mental health and assist in the prevention of suicide.
He said “The document clearly identifies the risk and protective factors associated with suicide in the country.
“It also identifies the strategic objectives, interventions, and indicators for suicide prevention, in line with international best practices.
“One of the key policy actions in this document is the decriminalisation of attempted suicide.
“Instead of punishment and ostracism, we must extend helping hands and support, rather than sensationalising reportage.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is working closely with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and partners to address the section of the law that criminalises attempted suicide.
“Nigeria will soon join the committee of nations that have decriminalised attempted suicide.”
Available data on suicide in Nigeria is reported in Nigeria at 12.9 per 100,000, which according to Pate, is high.
World Suicide Prevention Day is marked every year on September 10. The theme for this is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.”
Politics Nigeria understands that suicide is a criminal act in the country. However, stakeholders have been calling for it to be decriminalized.
