The Federal Government say dem don begin moves to scrap the criminal penalty for attempted suicide, after the approval of their position on decriminalisation by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The decision wen stakeholders describe as one major shift from punishment to care, dey expected to make the way for amendments to the relevant provisions of the Penal Code and Criminal Code once the proposal reach the National Assembly.
Them announce this development for one event wen the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare organize on Thursday to take mark the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day for Abuja.
When d Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, dey yarn for one speech wen the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom deliver, he say the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval of decriminalisation of suicide attempts take place becos of the work of the National Task Force on Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide, wen don undertake stakeholders’ consultations, policy engagements and advocacy wen involve government institutions, legal experts, mental health professionals, civil society organisations, development partners and people with lived experience.
He come talk say the decriminalisation no be just legal reform, but say na public health and human rights imperative.