Nigeria Federal Executive Council Approves Policy to Decriminalize Attempted Suicide

LAGOS, NIGERIA — The Federal Executive Council has approved a landmark proposal from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to decriminalize attempted suicide, marking a major milestone for nigeria mental health reform. Disclosed by Minister of State Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako during the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day commemoration in Abuja, the decision shifts national policy by treating self-harm crises as urgent medical conditions rather than criminal acts.

Previously, survivors faced up to one year of imprisonment under Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act. The executive directive establishes a supportive legal framework, ensuring citizens experiencing severe psychological distress receive structured psychiatric evaluation, emergency counseling, and social support instead of arrest, detention, or prosecution.

Key Legislative Targets & Health System Transitions

The policy shift establishes clear clinical alternatives to criminal prosecution:

Policy Area	Historic Legal Practice	Updated Reform Target
Legal Framework	Section 327 Criminal Code Act (Up to 1 yr jail)	Legislative amendment via National Task Force
Crisis Intervention	Police arrest, criminal charge & imprisonment	Immediate emergency psychiatric & social care
System Alignment	Penal law enforcement oversight	National Mental Health Act 2021 integration
Stigma Mitigation	Social ostracization & hidden psychological distress	Multi-sectoral task force & clinical support

Executing the Nigeria Mental Health Reform Through Legislative Task Forces

Advancing the nigeria mental health reform process requires formalizing statutory amendments through the National Assembly. To drive this effort, the Ministry of Health has inaugurated a National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide. Comprising experts from clinical psychiatry, legal institutions, civil society, and lived-experience advocates, the task force will draft legislative revisions that build upon the National Mental Health Act 2021 and the Strategic Suicide Prevention Framework.

Dr. Salako noted that removing punitive penalties is essential to dismantling deep-seated social stigma. By eliminating legal fears, public health agencies aim to encourage individuals experiencing depression and acute anxiety to seek early medical intervention. Ultimately, this reform transforms Nigeria’s mental health landscape, replacing prosecution with accessible, compassionate healthcare across all 36 states.

Why It Matters: Decriminalization transforms Nigeria’s mental health landscape, dismantling legal barriers so vulnerable citizens can access professional psychiatric care and lifesaving interventions without fear of prosecution.

Source: Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, September 10, 2026,