The Federal Government has established the National Taskforce on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide.
The inauguration, which took place on Thursday, October 10, 2024, coincided with the World Mental Health Day.
The primary goal of the Taskforce is the development of an action plan for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria and the aftermath.
A Professor of Law at Babcock University and Executive Director of the Centre for Health Ethics Law and Development (CHELD), Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, was announced as the Chair of the Taskforce. Other members of the Taskforce include President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Jos, Prof. Obindo Taiwo; Chairman, House Committee on Specialty Healthcare, Dr. Alex Egbona; National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Dr. Ojo Tunde Masseyferguson, who will serve as Secretary; Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike; Professor of Psychiatry at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Lateef Sheikh; the NUJ Chairman in Abuja, representing the media community and a representative from the Ministry of Justice.
This initiative marks a significant turning point in the country’s approach to mental health issues, emphasising compassion and support over punishment.
Onyemelukwe, emphasised the importance of collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, and healthcare professionals.
“This step marks a turning point in how Nigeria approaches mental health,” she stated. By initiating steps towards decriminalising attempted suicide, the Federal Ministry of Health is aligning with global best practices, prioritising rehabilitation over punishment.
“This change not only addresses a critical public health issue but also promotes the law as a tool for humane and effective approach to solving public health challenges,” Onyemelukwe said.
This milestone follows the announcement made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, on September 10, during a news conference to mark the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day.
Currently, attempted suicide is a crime in Nigeria punishable by one year in prison under Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 231 of the Penal Code, where it is also punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or with both.
However, through the Taskforce, the Federal Government is now taking steps to shift focus from punitive measures to providing psychological and medical support for individuals in mental crisis.
CHELD has lauded this initiative, calling it a significant advancement in Nigeria’s mental health reform. The theme of this year’s commemoration, ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’, aligns with growing calls from mental health professionals and civil society for a more compassionate approach to suicide prevention.
CHELD is a research think-tank and an implementer in several areas of public health, including mental health. The organisation is passionately committed to advocating for the rights of people with mental illness and disabilities, and improving access to mental health services through law and policy reform.
With health law and public health experts as members, CHELD has provided legal aid and support to persons charged with attempted suicide in Nigeria, helping to secure their release.
CHELD’s commitment to mental health advocacy extends to rehabilitating and reintegrating people who have been charged with attempted suicide and persons with severe mental health conditions, including schizophrenia.
