Senate President Godswill Akpabio has opposed plans to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, insisting that survivors should continue to face imprisonment, despite a bill seeking to replace punishment with treatment and rehabilitation scaling second reading in the Senate.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, seeks to establish a national framework for suicide prevention, decriminalise attempted suicide and provide support for survivors.
According to Channels Television, the proposed legislation has exposed differing positions among lawmakers over whether attempted suicide should be treated primarily as a criminal offence or a mental health emergency.
Bill Seeks to Replace Jail Terms With Treatment
Presenting the bill, Ekpenyong highlighted what he described as a contradiction between Nigeria’s existing criminal laws and its National Mental Health Act.
He noted that Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code criminalise attempted suicide, while the National Mental Health Act recognises it as a psychiatric emergency requiring appropriate care.
The senator argued that criminalising attempted suicide discourages people from seeking help, encourages families to conceal incidents and contributes to inadequate data on the scale of the problem.
He also warned that the threat of prosecution could discourage people experiencing psychological distress from seeking assistance.
Ekpenyong said decriminalisation must be accompanied by accessible mental health services, stressing that suicide has complex causes that require a humane and health-focused response.
The proposed bill seeks to replace imprisonment with mandatory assessment, referral, treatment and follow-up support for survivors.
It also provides for crisis helplines, public awareness campaigns, training for police officers, teachers and health workers, as well as a national data system to strengthen suicide prevention efforts.
Akpabio Insists on Criminal Penalties
Despite the proposed changes, Akpabio maintained that attempted suicide should remain a criminal offence, arguing that removing the penalties could encourage the act.
“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail,” the Senate President said.
Akpabio also noted that the proposed changes would affect both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, requiring input from State Houses of Assembly during a public hearing to avoid legal conflicts.
His position contrasts with the bill’s proposed approach, which prioritises medical assessment, treatment and rehabilitation over criminal prosecution.
Bill Referred to Senate Committees
Following its passage through second reading, the bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further legislative consideration.
The committees are expected to examine the proposed provisions and organise a public hearing as part of the legislative process.
The bill’s passage through second reading does not mean it has become law. It must undergo further scrutiny and secure the necessary legislative approvals before it can take effect.
The proposal forms part of ongoing efforts to address the treatment of attempted suicide under Nigerian law and strengthen the country’s approach to suicide prevention and mental health care.
