The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish a national framework for suicide prevention, decriminalise attempted suicide and provide rehabilitation for survivors at second reading, despite opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South, the proposed legislation aims to address inconsistencies between Nigeria’s mental health policies and criminal laws governing attempted suicide.

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During deliberations, Ekpenyong argued that while the National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a mental health emergency requiring treatment, Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code continue to criminalise the act.

He said removing criminal penalties without providing accessible mental health services would be insufficient, adding that suicide has complex causes that require a humane, health-focused response.

“At the heart of this bill is a simple question: when a Nigerian survives a suicide attempt, should the first response of the state be prosecution or protection?” he asked.

The senator argued that criminalisation discourages people from seeking help, forces families to conceal suicide attempts and contributes to inadequate data on the problem.

He also warned that punishing survivors could create a situation in which people experiencing severe distress might fear surviving an attempt because of the possibility of prosecution.

Under the proposed framework, imprisonment would be replaced with mandatory assessment, referral, treatment and follow-up support for people who survive suicide attempts.

The bill also proposes crisis helplines, training for police officers, teachers and health workers, public awareness campaigns and a national data system to strengthen suicide prevention efforts.

However, Akpabio maintained that attempted suicide should remain a criminal offence, arguing that removing the penalties could encourage the act.

“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail,” the Senate President said.

Akpabio further argued that the issue involves both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, requiring input from State Houses of Assembly during a public hearing to help prevent legal conflicts.

Following its passage at second reading, the bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further legislative consideration and a public hearing.

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The referral marks another stage in the legislative process. The proposed measures must undergo further scrutiny before the Senate can decide whether to pass the bill.