Akpabio Opposes Attempted Suicide Decriminalisation as Senate Advances Bill

The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide, establish a national suicide prevention framework and provide treatment and rehabilitation for survivors, despite opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, the proposed legislation seeks to address the conflict between existing criminal laws and the National Mental Health Act 2021, which recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring medical intervention.

Under Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, attempted suicide remains a punishable offence, with penalties that can include up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine or both, depending on the applicable law. Ekpenyong argued that criminalisation discourages people from seeking help, pushes families to conceal incidents and undermines the collection of reliable data for suicide prevention programmes, saying Nigeria’s laws “presently speak with two voices.”

The proposed bill would replace punishment with medical assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up care, alongside crisis helplines, public education, professional training and a national suicide prevention data system. Senator Dayo Faduyile, a medical doctor representing Ondo South, supported the health-focused approach, arguing that people who survive suicide attempts need medical attention rather than incarceration, while Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central called for input from medical practitioners, psychologists and other stakeholders during a public hearing.

Akpabio, however, argued that removing criminal penalties could encourage suicide attempts, declaring during the debate: “If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail.” He also called for state Houses of Assembly to contribute to the public hearing to address possible conflicts involving the Criminal Code and Penal Code, while Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele raised questions about how the proposed law would apply across states.

Despite Akpabio’s opposition, the bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further consideration and a public hearing. The committees are expected to examine the proposal and the legal questions raised during the debate before the Senate takes further legislative action.

Passing second reading does not mean the bill has become law, and attempted suicide remains punishable under the existing criminal provisions unless the law is amended. The debate centres on whether survivors should face criminal prosecution or receive medical care and support, as lawmakers consider how Nigeria’s criminal laws should align with its mental health framework.