Nigerian Senate Advances Bill to Decriminalise Suicide Attempts

A bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria has successfully passed its second reading in the Senate, despite opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who argued that survivors should face imprisonment. During the plenary session on Tuesday, Akpabio stated, “If you attempt suicide, make sure you die.

Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail.” Nonetheless, the bill received majority support from senators through a voice vote and has been referred to the Senate Committees on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further action. Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, the bill aims to establish a legal framework for suicide prevention, treatment, and support for survivors.

Ekpenyong highlighted that the National Mental Health Act recognizes attempted suicide as a mental health emergency, necessitating medical intervention, and argued that criminalising the act could deter individuals from seeking help.