Senate President Godswill Akpabio has rejected a proposed law seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, insisting that people who survive suicide attempts should face imprisonment.
Akpabio made his position known on Tuesday during deliberations on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South.
The Senate President maintained that attempted suicide should remain a criminal offence, warning that anyone who attempts to take their own life but survives should be sent to prison.
“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 during the debate, declaring, “If you attempt it and don’t succeed, we will jail you.”
Despite Akpabio’s opposition, the Senate passed the bill for second reading, allowing it to proceed to further legislative consideration. The Senate President also noted that a public hearing on the proposed legislation had yet to be conducted.
Presenting the bill, Ekpenyong argued that Nigeria’s existing legal framework contained conflicting provisions on attempted suicide.
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 prescribe criminal punishment for the act.
“Our law presently speaks with two voices. The National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate intervention,” Ekpenyong said.
“Yet Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code continue to expose the same person to criminal punishment.”
The senator warned that criminalising attempted suicide could discourage people experiencing suicidal thoughts from seeking medical attention or disclosing their struggles.
He said the fear of prosecution and social stigma could cause families to conceal suicide attempts and prevent healthcare workers from reporting cases adequately.
Ekpenyong urged lawmakers to reconsider whether the government’s response to survivors should prioritise punishment or 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 maintained that decriminalising attempted suicide would not encourage the act or excuse individuals who assist, persuade or procure another person to take their own life.
According to him, the proposed legislation would establish suicide prevention as a public health responsibility and ensure that people experiencing severe psychological distress received appropriate treatment rather than punishment.
The bill proposes the introduction of crisis helplines, medical assessments, referral services, rehabilitation and follow-up care for survivors.
It 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, people who survive suicide attempts would receive medical care and continuing support instead of facing imprisonment.
During the debate, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, 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 raised concerns about the legal implications of amending the existing criminal justice framework, particularly whether the proposed changes would apply nationwide.
He noted that states must adopt the Administration of Criminal Justice Act for it to apply within their jurisdictions and urged the Senate to examine the implications carefully.
Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, commended Ekpenyong for bringing the issue before the chamber, saying the proposed legislation would allow medical professionals, legal experts and other stakeholders to contribute to the debate.
He also argued that people who attempt suicide should not automatically be treated as criminals without considering their circumstances.
The Senate subsequently referred the bill to the relevant committees on judiciary and health for further consideration, including a public hearing.
The proposed legislation has not yet become law.
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