Experts Urge Nigeria to Decriminalize Attempted Suicide

Nigeria's approach to attempted suicide is under pressure as experts call for decriminalization, arguing that current laws discourage individuals in crisis from seeking help. This concern was voiced during a webinar on September 30, 2026, organized by the National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Key figures included Prof Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, Chairman of the National Task Force, and Justice Muhammad Lawal Shuaibu of the Court of Appeal. They discussed the existing legal framework, which criminalizes attempted suicide under both the Criminal Code and Penal Code.

Justice Shuaibu noted that courts must apply current laws and cannot independently dismiss prosecutions. He advocated for enhanced mental health training for legal personnel to prevent individuals with mental health issues from being further criminalized.

Egwatu Onyejelem, representing the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, emphasized that suicide should be treated as a public health issue rather than a criminal offense.