The Federal Executive Council has approved a plan to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria.
Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate announced the decision on Wednesday, after the council’s weekly meeting in Abuja. He said the government will send the amendment to the National Assembly as a bill.
Attempting suicide is a crime under the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, both dating from colonial times. Offenders can face arrest and prosecution.
Pate said the new law will treat attempted suicide as a mental health issue, not a crime. People in distress will get care and support, not punishment.
The bill now goes to lawmakers for consideration.
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