CSOs Urge National Assembly to Fast-Track Suicide Prevention Bill

Civil society organisations have called on the National Assembly to urgently prioritise and pass the National Suicide Prevention Bill, 2024, saying the legislation is necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s response to suicide and mental health challenges.

The organisations, comprising the Nigerian Mental Health and the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, made the call while reacting to the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of an amendment to the National Mental Health Act 2021 aimed at decriminalising attempted suicide in Nigeria.

The CSOs commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and the Federal Executive Council for what they described as an important step towards treating self-harm as a public health issue rather than a criminal offence.

The Federal Executive Council approved the proposed amendment on August 19, 2026. According to Pate, the reform is part of efforts to reduce suicide deaths and attempts in Nigeria by 15 per cent by 2030.

However, the organisations stressed that removing criminal penalties for attempted suicide would only address part of the problem.

They argued that people who survive suicide attempts need access to appropriate medical care, psychological support, crisis intervention and other forms of assistance.

The Founder of Nigerian Mental Health, Chime Asonye, said decriminalisation alone would not be sufficient to tackle the country’s suicide crisis.

He called for comprehensive public health measures and institutional reforms to support people experiencing mental distress.

The CSOs also expressed concern over the incomplete implementation of the National Mental Health Act 2021.

They noted that the Department of Mental Health Services provided for under the law has not been fully established and funded, while many states have yet to domesticate the legislation.

According to the organisations, these gaps could undermine the effectiveness of the proposed decriminalisation if adequate systems are not put in place to support vulnerable people.

They said the National Suicide Prevention Bill, 2024, would provide a broader and more coordinated framework for preventing suicide.

The proposed legislation is expected to strengthen suicide and suicidality data collection, establish crisis intervention services, provide dedicated funding and introduce specialised training for healthcare workers and first responders.

The Convener of the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, Prof. Taiwo Lateef Sheikh, described the amendment to the Mental Health Act and the proposed Suicide Prevention Bill as complementary measures.

He explained that while decriminalisation would remove punishment for attempted suicide, the Suicide Prevention Bill would establish the structures and services required to prevent suicide and provide support to people in crisis.

The CSOs therefore urged lawmakers to fast-track consideration and passage of the bill before the end of the current legislative session.

They also called for the full operationalisation and funding of the Department of Mental Health Services.

The organisations further recommended greater transparency in the implementation of mental health reforms, stressing that effective suicide prevention would require sustained government commitment, adequate funding and stronger coordination between the health and justice sectors.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep