FOUNDATION WELCOMES FG MOVE ON SUICIDE LAW

The Asido Foundation has welcomed the Federal Government’s move to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, describing the decision as an important step towards treating people in mental health crises with care rather than punishment.

The Federal Executive Council recently approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act to remove the criminalisation of attempted suicide. The proposed amendment will now be forwarded to the National Assembly for legislative consideration.

Chairman of the Asido Foundation Board of Trustees, Niyi Olowola, said the decision reflected years of advocacy for a more compassionate and evidence-based response to people experiencing severe psychological distress.

He recalled that the foundation had engaged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, in 2024 as part of efforts to push for the reform.

Olowola commended President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Executive Council and other stakeholders involved in advancing the proposed amendment, while acknowledging the contributions of mental health professionals, civil society groups and advocates.

The foundation said people who survive a suicide attempt should have access to medical and psychological support rather than face prosecution.

It also called for stronger implementation of Nigeria’s Mental Health Act and greater access to mental health services across the country.

The foundation stressed that decriminalisation alone would not be enough, urging continued collaboration among government agencies, healthcare institutions, civil society organisations and communities to strengthen mental health support and prevention efforts.