ABUJA, NIGERIA — Senate President Godswill Akpabio has opposed a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, insisting that people who survive suicide attempts should face imprisonment.
Akpabio stated his position on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during a Senate debate on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South Senatorial District.
Speaking during deliberations, the Senate President maintained that attempted suicide should remain a criminal offence under existing Nigerian laws.
“As far as we are concerned, we are saying that suicide is a crime for now. Therefore, if you attempt it, you better succeed. If you don’t succeed, we will send you to prison,” Akpabio said.
He reiterated his position, adding: “If you attempt it and don’t succeed, we will jail you. So, if you attempt it, you better succeed.”
His comments came as lawmakers considered proposed legislation designed to shift Nigeria’s response to attempted suicide from criminal punishment towards medical treatment, rehabilitation and support for survivors.
Bill Seeks Treatment Rather Than Imprisonment
Presenting the bill, Ekpenyong argued that Nigeria’s legal framework contains conflicting provisions on how people who survive suicide attempts should be treated.
He explained that the National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate intervention, while Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code continue to expose survivors to criminal penalties.
“Our law presently speaks with two voices,” the senator said.
Ekpenyong warned that criminalising attempted suicide could discourage people experiencing psychological distress from seeking help. He also argued that fear of prosecution and social stigma could cause families to conceal suicide attempts and prevent healthcare professionals from reporting cases appropriately.
The lawmaker urged the Senate to consider whether a person who survives a suicide attempt should face prosecution or receive medical care and protection.
“At the heart of this bill is a simple question: When a Nigerian survives a suicide attempt, should the first response of the state be prosecution or protection?” he asked.
He stressed that decriminalisation would not encourage suicide or excuse anyone who assists, encourages or persuades another person to take their life.
According to the bill’s sponsor, removing criminal penalties should be accompanied by accessible mental health services and other interventions capable of helping people experiencing severe psychological distress.
What the Proposed Legislation Seeks to Introduce
The Suicide Prevention Bill 2026 proposes a national framework for suicide prevention, early intervention and continuing support for people who survive suicide attempts.
Among its proposed measures are crisis helplines, medical assessments, referral services, rehabilitation and follow-up care.
The legislation also seeks to promote public awareness, train police officers, teachers and healthcare workers, and establish a national data system to strengthen suicide prevention efforts.
Under the proposed framework, survivors would receive appropriate medical assessment and treatment rather than face automatic criminal prosecution for attempting to take their own lives.
Senators Raise Concerns Over Implementation
During the debate, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, seconded the motion for the bill’s second reading but sought clarification on the practical measures it would introduce to prevent suicide.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also raised concerns about the legal implications of amending existing criminal laws, particularly the extent to which the proposed changes would apply across the country.
He called for careful consideration of the relationship between federal legislation and state-level legal frameworks.
Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, welcomed the debate and argued that the circumstances surrounding suicide attempts should be considered before survivors are treated as criminals.
He also noted the importance of allowing medical professionals, legal experts and other stakeholders to contribute to the legislative process.
Senate Advances Bill Despite Akpabio’s Opposition
Despite Akpabio’s opposition, the Senate passed the bill for second reading, allowing it to proceed to further legislative consideration.
The proposed legislation was referred to the Senate committees responsible for health and judiciary matters for further examination, including a public hearing.
The committee stage is expected to provide an opportunity for lawmakers and relevant stakeholders to examine the bill’s provisions, address legal concerns and consider the proposed transition from punishment to a public-health-focused response.
The debate has brought renewed attention to the relationship between Nigeria’s criminal laws and its mental health framework, as lawmakers consider how best to respond to people who survive suicide attempts.
