The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, has stated that the Federal Government is working towards decriminalising attempted suicide in the country.
He disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at a news conference to commemorate the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day.
Marked globally on September 10 every year, the commemoration has “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” as the theme for 2024.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that suicide is criminalised in the country, but there have been several calls from stakeholders to decriminalise it.
Captured under Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act, it states, “Any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for one year.”
Pate, therefore, said that the ministry had launched the National Suicide Strategic Framework (2023-2030) to enhance mental health and assist in the prevention of suicide.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, the minister said, “The document clearly identifies the risk and protective factors associated with suicide in the country.
“It also identifies the strategic objectives, interventions, and indicators for suicide prevention, in line with international best practices.
“One of the key policy actions in this document is the decriminalisation of attempted suicide.
“Instead of punishment and ostracism, we must extend helping hands and support, rather than sensationalising reportage.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is working closely with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and partners to address the section of the law that criminalises attempted suicide.
“Nigeria will soon join the committee of nations that have decriminalised attempted suicide.”
The minister stated that available data on suicide in Nigeria is reported at 12.9 per 100,000, which is high.
He added that suicide rates are particularly high among young people aged 15 to 29 years, making it the fourth leading cause of death in this age group in Africa, accounting for 40 per cent of all suicide deaths.
However, he noted that the statistics may not fully reflect the true prevalence of suicide in Africa, as the reporting and stigma surrounding mental health issues remain significant barriers to accurate reporting.
Pate also mentioned a strong link between suicide and mental health conditions, indicating that depression and alcohol use disorders are established factors.
According to him, many suicides occur impulsively in moments of crisis, with a breakdown in the ability to cope with life’s stresses, such as financial problems, relationship issues, breakups, chronic pain, and illness, among many others.
He added that the theme of the 2024 Global Observance Day focuses on raising awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicide.
The minister stated, “Changing the narrative means shifting our focus from the tragedy of suicide to prevention.
“It means moving away from taboos, stigma, and discrimination, towards empathy and positive cultural change.
“As we stand united, we acknowledge the pain and suffering of those who have lost loved ones to suicide, and we affirm our commitment to creating a society that supports and cares for those struggling with mental health issues.
“Suicide prevention is our collective responsibility, and we must all be committed to building a society that values mental health, promotes well-being, and provides care for everyone.”
The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Walter Mulombo, stated that for every suicide, there are likely to be 20 other people attempting suicide, and many more who have serious thoughts of suicide.
Represented by Mary Bantuo, Mulombo said that changing the narrative of suicide is about transforming how this complex issue is perceived, shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.
He said, “This call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention.
“Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to understanding society. By initiating vital conversations, we can break barriers, raise awareness, and create better content and support.”
He also stressed the need to prioritise suicide prevention and mental health in policymaking.
Mulombo called for government action, adding that changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritise mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need.