Federal Government Sets December Deadline to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide

Federal Government Sets December Deadline to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide

The Federal Government has announced that attempted suicide will no longer be treated as a criminal offence in Nigeria by December 2025.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, made this disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja during a press briefing to mark the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day.

Prof. Pate said the move aligns with global best practices in public health, shifting focus from punishment to care, treatment, and prevention. He stressed that individuals who attempt suicide should receive mental health support rather than face prosecution.

The minister added that the government is working with the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to finalize amendments to the Criminal Code, which currently criminalizes attempted suicide.

Health experts and advocacy groups have long argued that decriminalisation will reduce stigma, encourage people to seek help, and strengthen Nigeria’s mental health response.