# Nigeria mental health legislative reform

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-mental-health-legislative-reform
> Updated: 2026-09-03T00:32:12.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The Nigerian Federal Executive Council has approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act to decriminalise attempted suicide. This legislative reform aims to shift the approach from criminal prosecution to treating suicide as a public health issue focused on medical care and support.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, stated the reform targets a 15 per cent reduction in suicide deaths and attempts by 2030. The move follows data indicating that suicide causes over 7,000 deaths annually in Nigeria, with approximately 300,000 attempts recorded each year.

While the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) welcomed the milestone, they cautioned that decriminalisation must be accompanied by addressing socioeconomic drivers such as poverty and unemployment. The Asido Foundation also welcomed the decision, noting that the reform validates years of advocacy to ensure survivors receive treatment and dignity.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Nigeria approves decriminalisation of attempted suicide

Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council has approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act to decriminalise attempted suicide, shifting the focus from prosecution to medical care.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-approves-decriminalisation-of-attempted-suicide

### 2026-08-27: Nigeria approves bill to decriminalise attempted suicide

Nigeria's Federal Executive Council has approved a bill to decriminalise attempted suicide, aiming to shift the approach from criminal prosecution to public health intervention by 2030.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-approves-bill-to-decriminalise-attempted-suicide

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Cite as: Nigeria mental health legislative reform. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-mental-health-legislative-reform