Psychiatrists, stakeholders push for de-criminalisation of attempted suicide
Top Nigerian psychiatrists and other concerned mental health advocates have called for the urgent decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria, arguing that current laws are counterproductive and exacerbate the country’s mental health crisis.
They argued that with an estimated 15,000 annual deaths from suicide, or 6.9 per 100,000 as reported by the World Health Organisation. (WHO, if suicide remains a crime, the numbers are likely to be widely underreported, masking the potential scale of the crisis.
In his submission, the former President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, APN, Prof. Taiwo Lateef Sheikh who is also the Convener of the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group emphasised the need for a more compassionate and supportive approach to individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts.
“The criminalisation of attempted suicide is a relic of a bygone era. It not only stigmatises those seeking help but also deters them from reaching out for fear of legal repercussions.”
Sheikh pointed out that the law, which dates back to the colonial era, fails to recognise the complex factors underlying suicidal behaviour, such as mental health conditions, substance abuse, and social stressors.
Speaking at the National Suicide Prevention Conference last week with the theme: “Decriminalising Attempted Suicide in Nigeria: Long Overdue”, said suicide is a significant public health issue in the country, with estimated 15,000 deaths annually.
However, the stigma associated with mental health and the fear of criminalization often prevents individuals from seeking help, leading to a higher risk of suicide.
Speaking on the importance of changing the narrative on suicide, he said: “Attempted suicide: a desperate cry for help or an act of self-immolation is criminalized under Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 231 of the Penal Code Act, with offenders facing up to one year in prison in Nigeria
“The very existence of this law serves as a stark reminder to those struggling with mental health and psychosocial issues that their suffering is not only misunderstood but condemned by society.”
He said studies have shown that about 90 percent rof deaths due to suicide have a diagnosis of mental health or psychoactive substance use disorders, among those with mental health diagnoses, 70 per cent are due to depressive disorders.
He further explained that mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being and affects how people think, feel, and act. “It also helps determine how we relate to others, make choices, and handle stress. We all have mental health which we need to promote, protect, and preserve, and to prevent mental distress and mental illness.”
He lamented that statistics have shown that suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally and second in Africa.
He regretted that access to mental health services is poor and that social determinants of suicide abound everywhere in Nigeria.
He said that for every death it is estimated there are at least 20 attempts meaning some 300,000 Nigerians, in suicidal distress, face the agonising question of asking for help with the added threat of the risk of punishment.
“An average of seven six persons related to someone deceased by suicide suffer mental health and psychosocial sequelae, adding these together about 450,000 Nigerians need support annually, the statistics is quite alarming indeed.
“Nigeria is among about 25 countries in the world where suicide remains a crime. The law is a colonial law, those who brought it have changed it in their countries. It attempts to stop the act but does not stop the thoughts and the social determinants. Does not recognise that suicide as preventable condition.”
Further, he explained that the conference brought together experts from various fields, including mental health professionals, government officials, and religious leaders, to discuss strategies for addressing the growing mental health crisis in Nigeria.
Speaking, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, who was represented by Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, addressed the broader health and social implications of suicide prevention.
He emphasised the Nigerian government’s role in strengthening mental health services, and he pledged full support for the decriminalization of suicide attempts.
Pate stated that it is time to prioritize mental health in national health policies and allocate resources to prevention and intervention strategies that will reduce the stigma and criminality associated with suicide.
Speaking at the conference, Thilini Perera, CEO, of Lifeline International, an Australian-based international NGO that promotes suicide prevention activities worldwide emphasised the organisation’s growing focus on Africa and its involvement in supporting mental health initiatives across the continent.
Highlighting Lifeline’s global campaign to decriminalise suicide, she affirmed their commitment to advocate for policy changes that prioritise mental health support over punishment.
She stressed that it is crucial for creating a more compassionate and understanding global community.
On her part, Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin Saraki, Global Patron, Lifeline International acknowledged the longstanding mental health challenges in Nigeria and expressed her unwavering support for decriminalising suicide attempts.
She pledged to use her platform to push for urgent reform, advocating for more awareness and stronger policies to support mental health nationwide.
Speaking, Former Chairman of, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe who chaired the conference, provided a legislative perspective, detailing the process behind the creation of the National Mental Health Act in Nigeria.
He highlighted the challenges and triumphs of advocating for the bill and stressed how this historic Act marks a critical turning point for mental health in Nigeria.
Oloriegbe reiterated the need to decriminalise suicide attempts as a logical extension of the Act, which seeks to protect and support individuals dealing with mental health crises. He affirmed his unwavering commitment to this endeavour.
Also, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong represented by Ted Inyang, reinforced the importance of decriminalising attempted suicide, particularly in vulnerable regions, where economic pressures and societal challenges often contribute to mental health crises.
He expressed his commitment to championing mental health reforms in the Senate, calling for greater federal attention toward mental health services and suicide prevention programmes in marginalised communities.
On his part, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Chief Lateef Fagbemi, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, represented by Alhaji Abubakar Babadoko, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) acknowledged the current legal framework that punishes individuals who attempt suicide, arguing that criminalizing a mental health crisis exacerbates stigma and discourages those in need from seeking help.
He pledged his support for a legal process to ensure Nigeria’s laws reflect a more compassionate and supportive approach to mental health issues. Attempted suicide is decriminalised in Nigeria.
Also, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim Bio focused on the importance of engaging Nigerian youth in the conversation about mental health and suicide prevention.
She highlighted how young people are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges and suicide.
Jamila reaffirmed the Ministry of Youth Development’s commitment to working closely with organisations and stakeholders to create more youth-centered mental health support systems.
She called for increased awareness and the decriminalisation of suicide attempts to foster a supportive environment for Nigerian youth.
Participants agreed that decriminalizing attempted suicide is a crucial step in creating a more supportive environment for individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts.
In addition to decriminalization, the conference highlighted the need for increased investment in mental health services, improved access to care, and greater public awareness about mental health issues. By addressing these factors, Nigeria can take significant strides in preventing suicides and promoting mental well-being for its citizens.
