The Federal Government has said that it will decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria by December 2025, moving away from punishment to a public health–centred approach.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced this on Wednesday at a press briefing in Abuja to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, themed ‘Changing the narrative on suicide, creating hope through action.’

Globally, suicide claims more than 720,000 lives annually, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), and is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29. Nigeria ranks seventh in global suicide cases, with stigma and punitive laws making it difficult for many to seek help.

For decades, Nigerians who survived suicide attempts faced prosecution under Sections 327 and 231 of the Criminal and Penal Codes, a system that mental health experts say only deepened shame and discouraged treatment.

To change course, the government inaugurated a National Taskforce on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide in October 2024, chaired by Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe. The taskforce was tasked with guiding the transition from punishment to a compassionate response rooted in mental health care.

Pate, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said progress had been made: a government white paper is complete, and a draft amendment to the National Mental Health Act has been developed to repeal punitive provisions.

“Evidence shows that with increased awareness, early identification of warning signs, and access to care, suicide rates can be significantly reduced. This reform means replacing silence with dialogue, shame with empathy, and stigma with understanding,” he said.

The minister noted ongoing engagement with the Attorney-General of the Federation to finalise the proposed Executive Bill for consideration at the Federal Executive Council.

At the event, Kachollom stressed that criminalisation had failed. “The reality is clear: criminalising suicide attempts does not save lives. Instead, it worsens stigma and adds legal punishment to personal suffering. Our ministry is determined to change this narrative.”

National Mental Health Programme Coordinator, Dr. Tunde Ojo, described the reform as aligning Nigeria with global best practices, where suicide is treated as a health issue, not a crime.

Civil society groups also echoed the call. Dr. Olufunke Fasawe of the Clinton Health Access Initiative noted that Nigeria’s high suicide ranking highlights the urgency for reforms.

Across the country, agencies joined in marking World Suicide Prevention Day. The Ministry of Health posted a reminder on its official X handle: “Hey, Nigeria… surprise surprise: we actually care about your mental health more than you think. Your life matters, and hope is real.”

The National Orientation Agency also urged Nigerians to break stigma and speak openly about suicidal thoughts. Jigawa Director Ahmad Tijjani said, “Suicide is preventable, and together we can change the narrative. Sometimes a simple question can save a life.”

World Suicide Prevention Day, first marked in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with WHO, is now observed globally every September 10 to raise awareness, fight stigma, and promote community support.

For Nigeria, the government says the next step is clear: ensuring no one is punished for pain.