Dr. Ekwubiri Advocates for Mental Health Reform in Nigeria

Dr. Ogenna Walter Ekwubiri, founder of the Motivating African Youths Initiative (MAY-I), has called for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria. In a statement issued on Tuesday, she urged the government to focus on mental healthcare, rehabilitation, and economic empowerment instead of punitive measures.

This call follows remarks from Senate President Godswill Akpabio during discussions on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026. Ekwubiri argued that the criminalisation of attempted suicide is a public health issue and that survivors require care and support.

She cited United Nations data indicating that Nigeria had approximately five suicide deaths per 100,000 people in 2021 and that 133 million Nigerians were multidimensionally poor in 2022. Ekwubiri commended Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong and Dayo Faduyile for advocating a healthcare-centered approach to suicide prevention and emphasized the need for legislation that promotes human dignity and support systems for vulnerable citizens.

She identified key measures such as affordable mental healthcare and economic empowerment as essential for addressing despair.