Tinubu approves decriminalisation of attempted suicide as 7,000 Nigerians die annually

The Tinubu administration has approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria, with the bill now headed to the National Assembly. According to Peoples Gazette, health minister Ali Pate disclosed this after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, citing WHO data showing over 7,000 annual suicide deaths nationwide.

Pate said colonial-era laws under the Criminal Code and Penal Code currently criminalise attempted suicide, treating psychological distress as an offence rather than an illness requiring care. The government aims to cut suicide deaths and attempts by 15 percent by 2030.

This touches on suicide as a public health topic — if you or someone you know is struggling, I’m happy to help find support resources.