President Bola Tinubu has approved a proposed amendment to Nigeria’s mental health law aimed at ending the criminalisation of attempted suicide in the country.

The proposed amendment seeks to remove the colonial-era provisions that treat attempted suicide as a criminal offence, shifting the government’s approach from prosecuting people in psychological distress to providing treatment, care and psychosocial support.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

Pate said the proposed amendment to the National Mental Health Act would be transmitted to the National Assembly as an executive bill following its approval by the council.

According to the minister, the reform is based on the recognition that attempted suicide is principally a public health and mental health issue that requires professional intervention rather than criminal punishment.

He explained that the proposed changes were jointly developed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Justice before being presented to FEC for approval.

“The amendment has now received the approval of the Federal Executive Council and will be transmitted to the National Assembly as an executive bill,” Pate said.

The move is expected to significantly alter Nigeria’s legal and policy response to attempted suicide by prioritising access to mental healthcare, professional intervention and psychosocial support for people experiencing severe psychological distress.

The proposed reform will, however, require consideration and passage by the National Assembly before it can become law.