The Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria and establish a national framework for suicide prevention and the rehabilitation of survivors.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, faced opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who maintained that attempted suicide should remain a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment.
Ekpenyong said the proposed legislation seeks to address a contradiction in Nigeria’s laws, noting that while the National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring treatment, Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code still criminalise the act.
He argued that decriminalisation would be incomplete without accessible mental healthcare, stressing that suicide has complex causes and requires a humane, health-focused response.
According to the senator, criminalising attempted suicide discourages people from seeking help, encourages families to conceal suicide attempts and contributes to inadequate data on the problem.
He also warned that the threat of prosecution could push people experiencing severe distress to ensure their attempts are fatal to avoid punishment.
The bill proposes replacing imprisonment with mandatory assessment, referral, treatment and follow-up support for survivors.
It also provides for crisis helplines, training for police officers, teachers and health workers, public awareness campaigns and the establishment of a national data system for suicide prevention.
However, Akpabio argued that removing criminal penalties could encourage attempted suicide.
He noted that the issue involves both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, adding that state Houses of Assembly would need to contribute during a public hearing to prevent legal conflicts.
Speaking during the debate, the Senate President said the central question was whether the government should prosecute or protect Nigerians who survive suicide attempts.
He stated: “At the heart of this bill is a simple question: when a Nigerian survives a suicide attempt, should the first response of the state be prosecution or protection?
“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail.”
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further legislative consideration and a public hearing.
