By Joy Odor
Professor Muhammed Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare has informed that Nigeria is joining the Committee of Nations that have decriminalised attempted suicide persons, as it is working with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to address the section of the law that criminalises attempted suicide.
The Ministry had launched the National Suicide Strategic Framework (2023-2030) to enhance mental health and assist in the prevention of suicide.
Recall that suicide is criminalised in the country which was captured under Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act, it states, “Any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for one year, but there have been several calls from stakeholders to decriminalise it.
The Minister stated this in Abuja at a news conference to commemorate the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day, marked globally on September 10 every year with the Theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, Prof Pate mentioned that instead of punishment and ostracism by the suicider, they must extend helping hands and support.
According to him, available data on suicide in Nigeria is reported at 12.9 per 100,000, which is high.
The Minister noted that, the statistics may not fully reflect the true prevalence of suicide in Africa, as the reporting and stigma surrounding mental health issues remain significant barriers to accurate reporting.
He said suicide rates are particularly high among young people aged 15 to 29 years, making it the fourth leading cause of death in this age group in Africa, accounting for 40 per cent of all suicide deaths.
“The document clearly identifies the risk and protective factors associated with suicide in the country. It also identifies the strategic objectives, interventions, and indicators for suicide prevention, in line with international best practices.
“One of the key policy actions in this document is the decriminalisation of attempted suicide.
Pate also mentioned a strong link between suicide and mental health conditions, indicating that depression and alcohol use disorders are established factors.
According to him, many suicides occur impulsively in moments of crisis, with a breakdown in the ability to cope with life’s stresses, such as financial problems, relationship issues, breakups, chronic pain, and illness, among many others.
He added that the theme of the 2024 Global Observance Day focuses on raising awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicide.
“Changing the narrative means shifting our focus from the tragedy of suicide to prevention.
“It means moving away from taboos, stigma, and discrimination, towards empathy and positive cultural change.
“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.”
The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Walter Mulombo reminded that for every suicide, there are likely to be 20 other people attempting suicide, and many more who have serious thoughts of suicide.
Represented by Mary Bantuo, Mulombo opined that changing the narrative of suicide is about transforming how this complex issue is perceived, shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.
“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. Theere is need to prioritise suicide prevention and mental health in policymaking.
Mulombo called for government action, adding that changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritise mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need.
