A legislative proposal aimed at removing criminal penalties for individuals who survive suicide attempts has successfully advanced through its second reading in the upper legislative chamber, despite pushback from Senate President Godswill Akpabio who argued that survivors ought to remain liable to prison sentences.
Akpabio argued that removing the penalties could encourage attempted suicide.
“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail,” he said during Tuesday’s plenary.
Despite his position, the bill secured the support of a majority of senators through a voice vote.
It was subsequently referred to the Senate Committees on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative action.
Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, the bill seeks to establish a legal framework for suicide prevention, treatment and support for survivors.
Leading the debate, Ekpenyong said the National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a mental health emergency requiring medical intervention, while Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code criminalise the act.
He said the conflicting provisions required legislative intervention.
The senator argued that criminalising attempted suicide could discourage survivors from seeking help, encourage families to conceal such incidents and prevent health workers from promptly reporting cases.
He said the proposed legislation would replace punitive measures with medical assessment, treatment and continued support for survivors.
Lawmakers supporting the bill said people experiencing severe emotional distress needed professional healthcare and empathy rather than detention.
Under existing criminal laws, attempted suicide remains punishable by imprisonment, although the applicable provisions and penalties vary across jurisdictions.
Section 327 of the Criminal Code provides for up to one year’s imprisonment, while Section 231 of the Penal Code prescribes up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine or both.
What You Should Know
The Nigerian Senate is currently considering a bill that seeks to replace the criminal punishment for attempted suicide with proper medical care, psychological evaluation, and support for survivors. While existing criminal laws prescribe up to a year in prison for anyone who attempts to take their own life, mental health advocates and the bill’s sponsors argue that this outdated approach only drives desperate people away from seeking critical medical help.
- Positive Impact: If eventually passed and signed into law, the bill will mandate medical interventions, treatment, and continuous psychological support instead of throwing distressed citizens behind bars, potentially saving many lives.
- Potential Concerns: Senate leadership, notably Senate President Godswill Akpabio, strongly contends that removing legal penalties could inadvertently encourage people to attempt suicide, reflecting an intense ideological clash within the legislature over public safety versus public health.
