Senate President Godswill Akpabio has opposed a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, insisting that survivors should face imprisonment.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, passed its second reading during plenary on Tuesday, October 13, despite Akpabio’s opposition.
“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail,” Akpabio said, arguing that removing criminal penalties could encourage the act.
He also called for input from State Houses of Assembly, noting that the proposed amendment involves both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code.
Leading the debate, Ekpenyong said the bill seeks to address the contradiction between existing laws that criminalise attempted suicide and the National Mental Health Act, which recognises it as a psychiatric emergency requiring medical intervention.
“Our law presently speaks with two voices,” he said, referring to Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, which prescribe punishment for attempted suicide.
“The police station or correctional facility should not be the default destination for a person who requires urgent clinical care,” he added.
Ekpenyong warned that criminalisation could discourage survivors from seeking help, lead families to conceal suicide attempts and worsen the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
The proposed legislation seeks to replace criminal punishment with medical assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up support. It also proposes crisis response services, public education and other suicide prevention measures.
The bill has been referred to the relevant Senate committees for further legislative consideration. Its passage at second reading does not mean it has become law.
