FOUNDATION HAILS FG’S MOVE TO DECRIMINALISE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE

The Asido Foundation has welcomed the Federal Executive Council’s approval of an amendment to Nigeria’s National Mental Health Act to decriminalise attempted suicide.

The foundation’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Niyi Olowola, described the move as a major shift from punishment to care, saying people who survive suicide attempts need treatment, support and dignity rather than prosecution.

Olowola said the foundation had advocated the reform for years, including a 2024 meeting with Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, where it called for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide.

He acknowledged the contributions of mental health professionals, civil society groups, legislators, policymakers and other advocates, while commending President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Executive Council and health authorities for supporting the reform.

The foundation’s Founder and CEO, Prof Jibril Abdulmalik, said decriminalisation could encourage people experiencing suicidal distress to seek help without fear of prosecution.

He, however, stressed that the reform must be accompanied by increased access to mental health services, trained professionals, effective crisis-response systems, public education and sustained funding.

The foundation also called for collaboration among federal and state governments, lawmakers, healthcare institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector to strengthen suicide-prevention services.

It noted that legislative action would still be required to formally amend the Mental Health Act and repeal relevant provisions of the Penal and Criminal Codes at the state level.

The foundation, which marked its seventh anniversary, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s 2030 suicide-reduction goal and promoting accessible, humane and dignity-based mental healthcare.