RismadarVoice Reporters
October 14, 2026
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has opposed a proposed law seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, maintaining that people who survive suicide attempts should remain liable to imprisonment.
Akpabio expressed his position during Tuesday’s Senate plenary as lawmakers considered the National Suicide Prevention Bill, 2026, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South.
The Senate President argued that removing criminal penalties could encourage suicide attempts, drawing attention to existing legislation that permits imprisonment.
However, a majority of senators supported the proposed reform, allowing the bill to pass its second reading.
The legislation seeks to replace criminal punishment with medical assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and continuing support for people who survive suicide attempts.
Leading the debate, Ekpenyong argued that Nigeria’s existing criminal provisions were inconsistent with the healthcare approach established under the National Mental Health Act.
He said the threat of prosecution could discourage individuals experiencing psychological distress from seeking assistance and could lead families to conceal incidents.
Under Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act, attempted suicide carries a penalty of up to one year’s imprisonment. Section 231 of the Penal Code also provides criminal penalties, although applicable laws may vary across jurisdictions.
The proposed legislation would establish a national suicide prevention framework, including crisis support services, public education, professional training and improved access to mental healthcare.
Akpabio also called for input from state Houses of Assembly during legislative consideration because of the relationship between federal and state criminal laws.
The bill has been referred to the relevant Senate committees for further consideration and a public hearing.
The Federal Executive Council had earlier approved a government proposal to decriminalise attempted suicide, supporting a shift from punishment towards treatment and rehabilitation.
The bill has not yet become law, and the existing criminal provisions remain the subject of proposed legislative reform.
