The Nigerian Senate has reportedly passed for second reading a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide and establish a national framework for suicide prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, despite opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South, seeks to shift the country’s response to attempted suicide from criminal prosecution towards medical assessment, psychological support and rehabilitation for survivors.

During deliberations, Ekpenyong highlighted what he described as a contradiction between Nigeria’s mental health framework and criminal laws that punish people who survive suicide attempts. He cited Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, which provide penalties for attempted suicide.

The senator argued that criminalising the act could discourage people experiencing psychological distress from seeking help and cause families to conceal suicide attempts. He maintained that a survivor’s immediate need should be protection and treatment rather than prosecution.

The proposed legislation reportedly includes provisions for crisis helplines, mandatory assessment and referral, follow-up care, public awareness campaigns, training for relevant professionals and a national system for collecting suicide-prevention data.

Akpabio, however, opposed removing criminal penalties, arguing that decriminalisation could encourage attempted suicide. He also called for input from State Houses of Assembly during a public hearing, citing the need to address possible conflicts between applicable criminal laws.

The bill has reportedly been referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further consideration and a public hearing. Its passage for second reading marks a stage in the legislative process and does not mean the proposed changes have become law.