The Federal Executive Council has approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act that seeks to remove criminal penalties for attempted suicide and promote a health-centred response to people experiencing psychological distress.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved an amendment to Nigeria’s National Mental Health Act aimed at decriminalising attempted suicide in the country.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed the development on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting in Abuja.
According to Pate, the proposed reform is intended to move Nigeria away from punishing people who attempt suicide and instead provide them with appropriate mental health care, psychosocial support and rehabilitation.
The minister described suicide as a major public health concern, stating that available estimates indicate that thousands of Nigerians die by suicide annually, while hundreds of thousands more experience suicide attempts or require psychosocial support.
Why the Law Is Being Changed
Attempted suicide is currently criminalised under provisions of Nigeria’s Criminal Code and Penal Code. Pate said these laws, which date back to the colonial era, can result in people experiencing severe psychological distress being treated as offenders rather than individuals who require medical and emotional support.
The Federal Government believes the existing legal framework can also discourage people from seeking help because of the fear of arrest, prosecution and social stigma.
Pate explained that the proposed amendment is designed to bring Nigeria’s legal framework in line with the principles of the National Mental Health Act, which emphasises supportive care and protection for people experiencing mental health challenges.
Amendment To Be Sent To National Assembly
The minister said the amendment was developed through collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Justice, mental health advocates and a task force established to work on the decriminalisation of attempted suicide.
Following the FEC's approval, the proposed amendment will be transmitted to the National Assembly for legislative consideration and enactment.
The government expects the reform to contribute to a reduction in both suicide attempts and completed suicides. Pate said the government has set a target of reducing the burden by 15 per cent by 2030.
Shift From Punishment To Care
The proposed reform represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to suicide prevention. Rather than treating survivors as criminals, the government wants them to have access to professional care and support.
Mental health advocates have previously argued that criminalisation can increase stigma and make people experiencing suicidal thoughts less likely to seek assistance. The World Health Organisation has also identified the decriminalisation of attempted suicide as an important part of Nigeria’s mental health reform efforts.
However, the FEC approval is not the final legislative step. The amendment still has to go through the National Assembly before it can become law.
If enacted, the reform would mark a major change in Nigeria’s mental health and justice systems, placing greater emphasis on prevention, treatment and support for people experiencing mental health crises.
Naijabulze
Bringing you the latest news, entertainment, sports and trending stories from Nigeria and around the world.