FG Approves Amendment to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide in Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu The Federal Executive Council has approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act that seeks to remove criminal penalties for attempted suicide and promote a health-centred response to people experiencing psychological distress. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved an amendment to Nigeria’s National Mental Health Act aimed at decriminalising attempted suicide in the country. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed the development on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting in Abuja. According to Pate, the proposed reform is intended to move Nigeria away from punishing people who attempt suicide and instead provide them with appropriate mental health care, psychosocial support and rehabilitation. The minister described suicide as a major public health concern, stating that available estimates indicate that thousands of Nige...