FG moves to decriminalise attempted suicide, targets 15% reduction by 2030

—-Okays Revised National Biotechnology Policy 2026

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA— THE Federal Government on Wednesday, moved to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, targeting a 15 per cent reduction in suicide cases by 2030 as part of efforts to shift the country’s response to mental health challenges from punishment to care and support.

This is as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Mr. Kingsley Udeh, SAN, has said that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the revised National Biotechnology Policy 2026.

Briefing journalists at the end of the council meeting at the presidential Villa, Abuja, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the Council had approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act to remove the criminalisation of attempted suicide.