By George Omagbemi
ABUJA, Nigeria | October 14, 2026. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has drawn criticism after declaring that Nigerians who attempt suicide and survive should face imprisonment, as the Senate advances legislation seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide.
“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail,” Akpabio said during Tuesday’s plenary, October 13, while lawmakers debated the proposed legislation.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, passed its second reading despite Akpabio’s opposition. It seeks to establish a national framework for suicide prevention and provide treatment, rehabilitation and continuing support for survivors.
Ekpenyong argued that Nigeria’s existing laws contain a contradiction: while the National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring medical intervention, provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code still criminalise the act.
He warned that prosecution could discourage distressed individuals from seeking help and encourage families to conceal suicide attempts.
Senator Dayo Faduyile, a medical doctor representing Ondo South, also supported treating suicide attempts as medical emergencies rather than criminal offences. Senator Abdul Ningi similarly backed a health-centred approach.
Akpabio maintained that removing criminal penalties could encourage suicide attempts. He also called for input from state Houses of Assembly to address possible legal conflicts involving the Criminal Code and Penal Code.
Following its second reading, the bill was referred to the Senate committees on Health and Judiciary for further consideration and a public hearing.
The proposal has not become law. The legislative process must continue before any changes to existing legal provisions can take effect.
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