Senate Advances Bill to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide Despite Akpabio’s Stance
A legislative effort to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria has cleared a major hurdle in the National Assembly, advancing to its second reading in the Senate despite vocal opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong representing Cross River South, aims to shift Nigeria’s legal framework away from punishing suicide survivors toward offering them medical treatment, psychological rehabilitation, and dedicated support systems.
Under current Nigerian law—specifically Section 327 of the Criminal Code and corresponding provisions in the Penal Code—anyone who attempts to take their own life commits a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. The new bill seeks to repeal these punitive measures in favor of an approach rooted in public health and compassionate care.
SEN Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON President Of the 10th Senate
Mental Health Emergency vs. Criminal Offence
Leading the debate on Tuesday, Senator Ekpenyong highlighted a glaring contradiction within Nigeria’s legal system. While the landmark National Mental Health Act recognizes a suicide attempt as a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate clinical care, criminal statutes continue to treat survivors as offenders subject to arrest and prosecution.
Ekpenyong warned that criminalising attempted suicide creates an environment of fear and secrecy. Instead of seeking help during severe psychological distress, individuals often suffer in silence, while families feel compelled to cover up incidents to avoid police arrest and social ostracisation.
“The criminalisation of attempted suicide deters individuals from seeking timeous help, deepens social stigma, and prevents families from accessing necessary healthcare services,” Ekpenyong stressed.
To address these systemic barriers, the bill proposes establishing a coordinated national framework for suicide prevention. Key provisions include:
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Removing criminal liability and prison sentences for suicide survivors.
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Mandating medical assessments, psychiatric treatment, and ongoing rehabilitation.
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Establishing national crisis helplines and emergency intervention services.
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Rolling out public mental health education campaigns to dismantle societal stigma.
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Training healthcare workers, first responders, and law enforcement officers in crisis response.
Akpabio Insists on Jail Time for Survivors
Despite broad arguments in favor of mental health reform, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed sharp opposition to removing penal sanctions, sparking criticism from public health advocates.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio argued that removing criminal penalties could inadvertently encourage individuals to attempt suicide without fearing legal consequences.
“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail,” Akpabio stated from the chair.
His controversial remarks reflect a long-standing debate in Nigeria, where traditional legal views often treat mental health crises through a disciplinary lens rather than a healthcare perspective. Medical experts and rights advocates have repeatedly pointed out that criminal sanctions do not deter individuals in emotional agony, but rather drive them away from life-saving care.
Nigeria Senate Plenary session 2023 photo credit Tope Brown
Following its successful second reading, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters, and Health for further legislative action.
The committees will conduct public hearings and stakeholders’ consultations, bringing together medical professionals, legal experts, human rights organisations, and civil society groups. These sessions will provide a public platform to debate the bill’s merits, evaluate international best practices, and determine whether Nigeria will finally transition from penalising mental distress to treating it as a public health priority.
Awobajo Soliat
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