The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the decriminalisation of attempted suicide, setting December 2025 as the official target for legislative reform.
The announcement was made today by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, during a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day 2025, themed “Changing the Narrative on Suicide, Creating Hope Through Action.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, Minister Pate stated that Nigeria is undergoing a significant shift from a punitive approach to a compassionate, public health–oriented response to mental health crises.
“We are moving toward a more humane and evidence-based approach that treats suicide attempts as a mental health issue, not a criminal act,” said Kachollom.
As part of this mental health policy reform, the government has completed a white paper and developed a draft amendment to the National Mental Health Act 2021, now titled the National Mental Health Act Amendment Bill 2025.
Toscad news gathered that the proposed bill will repeal existing punitive laws that criminalise attempted suicide; reframe suicide prevention through a human rights–based lens and promote access to mental health support services rather than criminal penalties
