The Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria and establish a national framework for suicide prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, despite opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, seeks to address inconsistencies between Nigeria’s mental health legislation and existing criminal laws on attempted suicide.

Leading the debate, Ekpenyong noted that while the National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring medical attention, Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code still prescribe criminal penalties for the act.

He argued that decriminalisation must be accompanied by accessible mental health services, stressing that suicide is a complex issue that requires a compassionate, health-centred approach rather than punishment.

“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 lawmaker maintained that criminalising attempted suicide discourages affected persons from seeking professional help and forces families to conceal such incidents for fear of prosecution.

He also warned that retaining criminal penalties could worsen the situation by discouraging people experiencing suicidal distress from seeking assistance and potentially increasing the risk of fatal outcomes.

Under the proposed legislation, imprisonment would be replaced with mandatory mental health assessments, referrals, treatment and follow-up support for survivors.

The bill also provides for the establishment of crisis helplines, public awareness campaigns, training for police officers, teachers and healthcare professionals, as well as a national data collection system to strengthen suicide prevention efforts.

However, Akpabio opposed the proposed decriminalisation, insisting that attempted suicide should remain a criminal offence. He argued that removing the existing penalties could encourage people to engage in the act.

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

Akpabio further noted that the matter involves provisions of both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, arguing that State Houses of Assembly should be involved in the legislative process.

He said their input would be necessary during a public hearing to address possible legal conflicts arising from the proposed changes.

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