Top Nigerian psychiatrists and concerned mental health advocates are calling for the urgent decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria, arguing that current laws are counterproductive and exacerbate the country’s mental health crisis.
With an estimated 15,000 annual deaths from suicide, or 6.9 per 100,000 as reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), advocates warn that if suicide remains a crime, the numbers are likely to be widely underreported, masking the potential scale of the crisis.
Prof. Taiwo Lateef Sheikh, former President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) and Convener of the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, emphasised the need for a more compassionate and supportive approach to individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts. He stated, “The criminalisation of attempted suicide is a relic of a bygone era. It not only stigmatises those seeking help but also deters them from reaching out for fear of legal repercussions.”
Sheikh pointed out that the law, which dates back to the colonial era, fails to recognise the complex factors underlying suicidal behaviour, such as mental health conditions, substance abuse, and social stressors. Speaking at the National Suicide Prevention Conference last week, themed “Decriminalising Attempted Suicide in Nigeria: Long Overdue,” he highlighted that suicide is a significant public health issue in the country.
The stigma associated with mental health and the fear of criminalization often prevents individuals from seeking help, leading to a higher risk of suicide. Sheikh explained, “Attempted suicide: a desperate cry for help or an act of self-immolation is criminalized under Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 231 of the Penal Code Act, with offenders facing up to one year in prison in Nigeria. The very existence of this law serves as a stark reminder to those struggling with mental health and psychosocial issues that their suffering is not only misunderstood but condemned by society.”
Studies show that about 90 percent of deaths due to suicide are linked to mental health or psychoactive substance use disorders, with 70 percent of those cases attributed to depressive disorders. Sheikh further explained that mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, impacting how people think, feel, and act.
He lamented that statistics indicate suicide is the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15–29 globally and the second in Africa. Access to mental health services in Nigeria remains poor, and social determinants of suicide are prevalent throughout the country. Advocates stress the need for immediate action to address these issues and foster a more supportive environment for those in distress.