The Federal Government has approved a move to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) endorsed the proposal of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced the decision on Thursday in Abuja during the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day commemoration.
Represented by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, he said the proposal would now be sent to the National Assembly for legislative approval.
Salako said people facing mental health crises should receive care, support and treatment instead of punishment.
He explained that removing criminal penalties would reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek help early.
The minister added that the government would continue to strengthen mental health services, promote early intervention and expand community-based support across the country.
He said the reform aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and existing mental health policies aimed at improving access to quality healthcare.
Stakeholders welcomed the decision and pledged to support efforts to strengthen suicide prevention, mental health services and the legislative process for the reform.
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