Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the decriminalisation of attempted suicide, marking a significant proposed change in the country’s approach to people experiencing severe psychological distress.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammad Pate, disclosed the development on Wednesday following the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.
According to Pate, the council approved an amendment to Nigeria’s Mental Health Act that seeks to remove the criminalisation of attempted suicide from the country’s legal framework.
The proposed amendment will now be forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration and possible legislative approval.
Under Nigeria’s existing legal framework, attempted suicide remains a criminal offence under provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code.
The proposed amendment represents a shift from treating attempted suicide primarily as a criminal matter towards a public health and mental health response.
Pate explained that the reform is designed to ensure that people experiencing serious psychological distress receive appropriate support, treatment and rehabilitation rather than facing criminal sanctions.
The proposed decriminalisation is part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen mental health services and improve the country’s response to people experiencing psychological and emotional crises.
If approved by the National Assembly, the amendment would change how attempted suicide cases are handled under Nigerian law.
The reform would also bring greater emphasis to the underlying mental health needs of people who attempt suicide, rather than focusing solely on punishment.
Beyond the proposed amendment to the Mental Health Act, the Federal Executive Council approved several other healthcare initiatives aimed at expanding specialised medical services in Nigeria.
Pate disclosed that the council approved an executive bill for the establishment of a National Centre for Oral Health.
The proposed centre is expected to contribute to the development of specialised oral healthcare services while supporting improved access to treatment and professional expertise in the sector.
The approval comes as the Federal Government continues to pursue investments aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to specialised services.
The council also approved major infrastructure upgrades at the National Hospital in Abuja.
According to the health minister, the project will include the construction of modular clinics, a high-end wing and a Neuroscience Institute.
The planned facilities are expected to expand the hospital’s capacity to provide specialised healthcare services and improve its ability to manage complex medical conditions.
The proposed Neuroscience Institute, in particular, is expected to strengthen specialist services relating to neurological conditions and contribute to the development of advanced healthcare capacity in the country.
Another major healthcare project approved by FEC is the establishment of a N300 billion National Cancer Research and Treatment Centre.
Pate said the project is expected to be completed within 36 months.
The centre is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for cancer research, diagnosis and treatment while providing more specialised services for patients.
Cancer care remains a major healthcare challenge in Nigeria, with patients often facing difficulties accessing specialised treatment and advanced medical facilities.
The proposed centre is therefore expected to play a role in expanding the availability of specialised cancer services within the country.
The proposed decriminalisation of attempted suicide is one of the most significant elements of the latest healthcare reforms approved by the Federal Executive Council.
The policy reflects an increasing emphasis on mental health as a healthcare issue requiring professional intervention, rather than solely a criminal justice response.
By seeking to remove criminal penalties for attempted suicide, the Federal Government is proposing a system in which individuals experiencing severe psychological distress can be directed towards care, treatment and rehabilitation.
However, the proposed amendment still requires consideration by the National Assembly before it can become law.
The legislative process will determine whether the amendment is passed and ultimately incorporated into Nigeria’s legal framework.
For now, the FEC approval represents the executive arm of government’s position on the proposed change.
The collection of approvals announced by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare highlights the Federal Government’s wider plan to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised medical services.
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The National Centre for Oral Health, National Hospital Abuja upgrades, Neuroscience Institute and proposed National Cancer Research and Treatment Centre are all targeted at expanding the country’s specialist healthcare capacity.
The government’s decision to pursue the decriminalisation of attempted suicide alongside these infrastructure projects also places mental health within the broader healthcare reform agenda.
The proposed reforms will now require further legislative action and implementation before their full impact can be assessed.
For Nigerians experiencing psychological distress, the proposed change could ultimately represent a move towards a system that places greater emphasis on access to appropriate mental healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation.
