Decriminalising suicide in Nigeria

Every year, approximately 703,000 people die by suicide globally, a number that starkly illustrates the severity of this public health crisis.

Suicide is a tragedy that affects individuals, families, and entire communities, leaving behind a trail of pain and grief. In Nigeria, a country of over 206 million people, the issue of suicide is further complicated by outdated and punitive laws that criminalise attempted suicide. This legal approach is not only ineffective but also counterproductive to the goals of mental health care and suicide prevention.

In Nigeria, the legal system, rooted in laws from as far back as 1916, continues to treat those who attempt suicide as criminals rather than as individuals in need of help. Section 327 of the Criminal Code, Section 231 of the Penal Code, and Section 235 of the Lagos Criminal Law all prescribe a penalty of up to one-year imprisonment for attempted suicide.

This archaic legislation fails to recognize that suicide is often the result of deep psychological distress, not criminal intent. The suicide rate in the country increased to 9.9 per 100,000 in 2015, and Nigeria is currently ranked the 15th most suicide–prone nation in the world and 7th in Africa.

The stigma surrounding suicide in Nigeria, birthed by the laws, compounds the fear of legal repercussions, prevents many individuals from seeking the help they desperately need. it is a demonstration of how the law that criminalises suicide has created stigma and lack of compassion for someone in need of help! It is a law that we inherited from colonial masters. Mental health challenges, which are closely linked to suicidal behaviour, are still widely misunderstood and stigmatised in Nigeria. For those who survive a suicide attempt, the threat of arrest and prosecution only exacerbates their mental health issues, creating a vicious cycle that further marginalises vulnerable individuals.

Certain groups in society, such as the elderly, LGBTQI+ individuals, refugees, migrants, and prisoners, are particularly at risk of suicide and suicidal ideation. These populations often face discrimination and social isolation, which can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Criminalising their suicide attempts only adds to their suffering, pushing them further into the shadows where they are less likely to receive support.

The movement to repeal the criminalisation of suicide in Nigeria has gained some traction. There is a movement to repeal attempted suicide legislation in Nigeria. The Suicide Prevention Advocacy Group with multifaceted membership of advocates, professional associations, and not for profit irganisations, like the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Mandate Health Empowerment Initiative (MHEI), Centre for Health Ethics Law and Development (CHELD) ASIDO Foundation, Nigerian Mental Health and many amazing others, advocate the reform of the law against attempted suicide in Nigeria.

The Mandate Health Empowerment Initiative (MHEI) working with United for Global Mental Health and other partners, have undertaken several activities advocating for suicide decriminalisation including; Legislative mental health, Suicide Prevention Roundtable meetings, Media and Community Suicide prevention sensitization with media houses, traditional, religious, and youth leaders actively participating as their beliefs/myths about suicide needed to be unlearned!

The Chairman of the Committee of HealthCare Speciality Hon. Dr Alex Ebgona in our legislative roundtables mentioned the need to enhance access to mental health care to effectively drive suicide prevention intervention especially at the grassroots, Primary Health Care Centres in Nigeria. The impact of suicide is not only on the family but on community he added, as he shares a story far back in my early education in the village, a shoemaker with disability died by suicide early hours of the morning which threw the whole community in pandemonium.

In addition, United for Global mental health is launching a new report on decriminalising suicide researched together with Trust Law, Thomson Reuters Foundation’s global pro bono legal programme. This report will be launched and available on their website this World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. It contains country profiles of 25 countries that still criminalise suicide, detailing legal frameworks, penalties, how to change the law and ongoing reform efforts.

It is time for Nigeria to join the growing number of countries that have decriminalised suicide in the recent years including Malaysia, Ghana and Pakistan. Punitive measures do not address the root causes of suicide and do little to prevent it. Instead, they alienate those who are already in pain, making it more difficult for them to access the care and support they need.

The decriminalisation of suicide is not just a legal issue; it is a public health issue and a moral imperative. On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we must recognise the humanity of those who struggle with suicidal thoughts and provide them with the compassion, care, and support they deserve. By decriminalising suicide, Nigeria can take a critical step towards reducing the stigma associated with mental health, improving access to care, and ultimately saving lives.

Let’s together build a mentally healthy society across Nigeria, where suicide prevention is strengthen and attempted suicide decriminalised.

Ameh A. Zion is the

founder, MHEI,

convener, AMHROA Network