The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South, seeks to address conflicting approaches in Nigeria’s legal system, where mental health legislation emphasises medical care while existing criminal laws still provide penalties for attempted suicide.

Leading the debate on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Ekpenyong argued that criminalising attempted suicide could discourage people experiencing severe emotional distress from seeking professional assistance. He also said fear of prosecution could lead families to conceal incidents, making it more difficult to provide timely care and collect reliable data.

The senator maintained that people who survive suicide attempts should receive appropriate medical assessment and support rather than face prosecution. He stressed that changing the law would need to go hand in hand with accessible mental health services.

Under the proposed bill, imprisonment would be replaced by measures focused on assessment, referral, treatment and follow-up care. The legislation also proposes crisis helplines, public awareness campaigns, training for police officers, teachers and healthcare workers, and a national data system to strengthen prevention efforts.

However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed opposition to the proposed decriminalisation, arguing that removing criminal penalties could encourage suicide attempts. He also raised concerns about possible conflicts between federal criminal legislation and laws administered at state level.

Akpabio called for state Houses of Assembly to contribute to the public hearing process, noting that the Criminal Code and Penal Code would need to be considered during the legislative review.

Despite the disagreement, the bill secured the support required to pass its second reading and was referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further consideration and a public hearing.

The committee stage is expected to provide an opportunity for lawmakers, legal practitioners, mental health professionals and other stakeholders to examine the proposal and consider how it would interact with existing laws.

The debate comes amid wider federal efforts to reform Nigeria’s approach to suicide prevention. In August 2026, the Federal Executive Council approved a proposed amendment aimed at removing criminal penalties for attempted suicide and strengthening a care-based response. The Senate bill represents a further legislative step, although passage at second reading does not mean the proposal has become law.

Nigeria’s National Mental Health Act, enacted in 2021, provides a framework for mental health services and protection, while Sections 327 of the Criminal Code and 231 of the Penal Code have historically criminalised attempted suicide. Reconciling these provisions is central to the current reform debate.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a coordinated system that brings together healthcare services, public education, early intervention and support for people experiencing psychological distress.

The bill will require further legislative consideration before any proposed changes can take effect.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia