The Federal Government has commenced moves to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare's position on the matter. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day, themed 'Changing the Narrative on Suicide.' Salako, represented by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, said the proposal will proceed to the National Assembly for legislative action. He expressed optimism that the process would be concluded without delay, describing the decriminalisation of attempted suicide as both a legal reform and a public health and human rights imperative. He emphasized that people experiencing mental health crises should receive care, support, and appropriate intervention.
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