Nigerian Senate advances bill to decriminalise attempted suicide amid presidential opposition

The Nigerian Senate voted to pass the second reading of a bill that would repeal the criminalisation of attempted suicide. The measure, introduced by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South, aims to shift the legal response from punishment to medical assessment, treatment and ongoing support for individuals who survive an attempt.

During the plenary debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed strong reservations, maintaining that those who survive an attempt should still face jail time. He warned that eliminating the penalty could encourage more people to try to end their lives, stating that anyone who fails in an attempt should be incarcerated. Despite his stance, the bill secured a majority of votes through a voice vote, indicating broad senatorial support for reform.

The proposed legislation references the National Mental Health Act, which classifies a suicide attempt as a mental‑health emergency requiring professional intervention. It contrasts this with existing provisions in the Criminal Code (Section 327) and the Penal Code (Section 231), which currently allow for up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine, or both, depending on the jurisdiction.

Supporters of the bill argue that criminalising attempts deters people from seeking help, encourages families to hide incidents, and hampers health workers from reporting cases promptly. They contend that a health‑focused approach would better address the underlying emotional distress and reduce stigma.

Following the second‑reading approval, the bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further scrutiny and possible amendment. If the committees endorse the proposal, it will proceed to a third reading before being presented for presidential assent.

The debate highlights a tension between public health perspectives and concerns about potential moral hazard. While the majority of senators appear to favour decriminalisation as a step toward improved mental‑health care, the President of the Senate’s continued advocacy for imprisonment underscores ongoing divisions within the legislative body.

If enacted, the law would replace punitive measures with a framework that prioritises mental‑health services, aligning Nigeria’s approach with international trends that view suicide attempts as health emergencies rather than criminal acts.