The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, has disclosed that the federal government is taking to de-criminalise attempted suicide in the country.
Pate made the disclosure on Thursday (today, September 19) in Abuja, at a news conference to commemorate the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day, which is marked globally on Sept. 10 every year.
This year’s commemoration has “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” as its theme.
Daily Query reports that suicide is a criminal offence in Nigeria, but there have been calls by stakeholders to de-criminalise it.
Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act says “any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for one year.”
Pate said the ministry had launched National Suicide Strategic Framework (2023-2030) to boost mental health thereby helping to prevent suicide.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, the minister said “the document clearly identified the risk and protective factors associated with suicide in the country.”
“It also identified the strategic objectives, interventions and indicators for suicide prevention, in line with international best practices,” Prof. Pate said.
“One of the key policy actions in this document is the de-criminalisation of attempted suicide.
“Instead of punishment and ostracisation, we must extend helping hands and support, instead of sensationalising reportage.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is working closely with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and partners to address the section of the law that criminalised attempted suicide.
“Nigeria will soon join the committee of nations that have de-criminalised attempted suicide.”
According to Pate, available data on suicide in Nigeria is put at 12.9 per 100,000, which is high, pointing out that suicide rates are more prevalent among young people aged 15 to 29 years, making it the fourth leading cause of death in the age group in Africa and accounting for 40 per cent of all suicide deaths.
He, however, warned that the statistics may not fully reflect the true prevalence of suicide in Africa, as the stigma surrounding mental health issues remains a huge barrier to accurate reporting.
Pate also spoke of a strong link between suicide and mental health conditions, describing depression and alcohol use disorders as established links.
According to him, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis, with a breakdown in ability to deal with life’s stresses such as financial problems,
relationship issues, breakups, chronic pain, illness, among so many others, a major cause of suicide.
Pate, however, explained that the theme of the 2024 global observance day is hinged on raising awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and
encouraging open conversations to prevent suicide.
The minister added that “changing the narrative means shifting our focus from the tragedy of suicide to prevention.
“It means moving away from taboos, stigma and discrimination, to empathy and positive cultural change,” Prof. Pate stated.
“As we stand united, we acknowledge the pain and suffering of those who have lost loved ones to suicide and we affirm our commitment
to creating a society that supports and cares for those struggling with mental health issues.
“Suicide prevention is our collective responsibility and we must all be committed to building a society that values mental health, promotes well-being and provides care for everyone.”
Dr Walter Mulombo, the Country Representative of World Health Organisation (WHO), noted that for every suicide, there are likely to be 20 other people
attempting suicide, and many more have serious thoughts of suicide.
Represented by Mary Bantuo, Mulombo said changing the narrative of suicide is about transforming how the complex issue is perceived and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding and support.
He said: “This call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention.
“Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to understanding society. By initiating vital conversations, we can break
barriers, raise awareness and create better content and support.”
He also stressed the need to prioritise suicide prevention and mental health in policy making.
Mulombo called for concerted actions by governments, adding that changing the narrative requires advocating policies that prioritise mental health,
increase access to care, and provide support for those who are in need.
