In Nigeria, where mental health issues remain largely stigmatised, the federal government has plans to decriminalise attempted suicides.
Trying to take one’s life is currently punishable by up to one year in prison under the colonial-era Criminal Code, while the Penal Code provides for up to a year in jail, a fine, or both.
Health Minister Ali Pate said the existing legal framework treated people experiencing severe psychological distress as offenders rather than persons in need of care.
He said government will send the planned amendment to the National Mental Health Act to the national assembly for enactment.
Pate said suicide remains a major public health concern and criminalising attempted suicide “discourages help-seeking behaviours” while conflicting with national mental health policy.
Citing World Health Organization figures, he said Nigeria records about 300,000 suicide attempts annually, with at least 7,000 deaths.
The minister said the reform aims at reducing suicide deaths and attempts by 15 per cent by 2030 as Nigeria shifts its response from punishment to care and support.
The country faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals, with fewer than 1,000 psychiatrists serving more than 200 million people.
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
-
Nigerian students to get free data to access educational platforms – FG
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas …moves to regulate internet access for under-16s The Federal Government on Thursday unveiled a major digital education intervention that will allow millions of Nigerian students to access approved educational platforms without paying for internet data, in a move aimed at dismantling one of the biggest barriers to technology-driven learning in the country.…
-
I’m not Obidient, not Kwankwasiyya, I’m NDC - Seriake Dickson
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has said he does not belong to either the Obidient or Kwankwasiyya political support groups, insisting that his allegiance is to the NDC. Dickson made the clarification during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Wednesday, while speaking on the relationship between the party and…
-
No rival has 10% of Tinubu’s qualities – Yari
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas GUSAU: Director-General of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has said none of the presidential aspirants challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election matches him in terms of quality and competence. Yari, who represents Zamfara West Senatorial District, stated this on Wednesday while addressing members…
