Attempted suicide is currently a criminal offence in Nigeria, but the Federal Government is seeking to change how people who survive suicide attempts are treated under the law.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act aimed at removing the criminal penalties attached to attempted suicide.
The proposed amendment is expected to be presented to the National Assembly for consideration before it can become law.
Why the Government Wants the Change
The proposed reform is based on the argument that people who attempt suicide often require urgent mental health intervention rather than punishment.
Government officials have indicated that criminalising attempted suicide could discourage people experiencing severe psychological distress from seeking help or reporting their struggles.
The proposed approach would instead place greater emphasis on mental healthcare, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.
What Could Happen If the Proposal Becomes Law?
If approved by the National Assembly and enacted, surviving a suicide attempt would no longer, by itself, expose an individual to criminal prosecution.
Rather than facing punishment, affected individuals could be directed towards appropriate mental health services and professional support.
The change would represent a significant shift in Nigeria's approach to suicide attempts, moving the focus from criminal sanctions to treatment and care.
Is the Law Already Changed?
Not yet.
The FEC's approval is only an important step in the legislative process. The proposed amendment still has to go through the National Assembly before it can become law.
Until the amendment is passed and formally enacted, the existing legal position on attempted suicide remains in force.
If approved, the reform could mark a major change in Nigeria's mental health policy by recognising suicide attempts primarily as a mental health and public health concern rather than a criminal matter.