Precious Nwonu, Enugu

The Senate has advanced a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria and establish a national suicide prevention framework, despite opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who insists that offenders should continue to face imprisonment.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, seeks to replace criminal punishment for attempted suicide with a health-focused approach that prioritises treatment, rehabilitation and support for survivors.

Presenting the proposal, Ekpenyong said Nigeria’s existing laws contained a contradiction, as the National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring care, while Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code criminalise the act.

He argued that criminalising suicide attempts discourages people experiencing psychological distress from seeking help and often forces families to conceal such incidents.

The senator also warned that the threat of prosecution could worsen the situation by making vulnerable individuals afraid to seek medical attention after surviving an attempt.

“At the heart of this bill is a simple question: when a Nigerian survives a suicide attempt, should the first response of the state be prosecution or protection?” he asked.

The proposed legislation provides for mandatory assessment, referral, treatment and follow-up support for survivors instead of imprisonment.

It also seeks to introduce crisis helplines, train police officers, teachers and healthcare workers to respond to suicide risks, promote public awareness and establish a national data system to support prevention efforts.

However, Akpabio opposed removing criminal penalties, arguing that decriminalisation could encourage attempted suicide.

“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail,” the Senate President said.

Akpabio also noted that the issue involved provisions in both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, stressing the need to involve state legislatures during a public hearing to prevent legal conflicts.

Despite the disagreement, the bill passed its second reading and was referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further legislative consideration and a public hearing.

The proposed law will undergo further scrutiny before the Senate decides on its next legislative steps.