Seasoned psychiatrists have said decriminalising suicide alone would not be enough to prevent suicidal behaviour among Nigerians.
To curb the burden of suicide, the psychiatrists urged the Federal Government to address poverty, unemployment, insecurity and other socioeconomic challenges that contribute to mental distress among Nigerians.
The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria made the call while welcoming the approval by the Federal Executive Council for the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to transmit an Executive Bill to the National Assembly seeking to amend the Mental Health Act to decriminalise suicide.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday signed by APN President, Dr Veronica Nyamali, and Secretary, Prof Kingsley Okonoda.
The PUNCH reports that the FEC had, on August 19, 2026, approved an amendment to the National Mental Health Act to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria.
