Nigeria’s Senate advances a bill that would decriminalise attempted suicide and create a national framework for prevention and rehabilitation. Multiple outlets report the measure passes for second reading, with the bill presented by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South.
The proposal aims to address differences in existing laws, with the reporting also citing the National Mental Health Act’s approach to attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency. Outlets also highlight provisions intended to strengthen support for people who survive suicide attempts and to improve rehabilitation services.
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio is reported to oppose the decriminalisation element. While the bill moves forward to second reading, Akpabio argues that attempted suicide should still carry a jail term rather than focusing on rehabilitation. The differing accounts reflect an ongoing debate in the Senate over whether attempted suicide should be treated primarily as a public health and welfare issue or maintained within a criminal justice framework.
