The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) has welcomed the Federal Government’s plan to decriminalise suicide but called for urgent reforms to ensure the move produces meaningful improvements in mental healthcare.
The association said decriminalisation would have limited impact without the effective implementation of the Mental Health Act, 2021, and the expansion of affordable and accessible mental health services.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr Veronica Oluyemisi Nyamali, and Secretary, Prof Kingsley Mayowa Okonoda, the association described the proposed reform as a “landmark development and a watershed moment” for mental health in Nigeria.
According to the psychiatrists, the proposed change represents a shift from treating suicide as a criminal matter to addressing it as a public health and mental health concern.
“Suicide must be approached first and foremost as a public health and mental health concern, not as a criminal offence,” the APN said.
The association said the move would help shift the country away from what it described as a “punishment- and stigma-laden approach” towards prevention, compassion, treatment and hope.
However, the psychiatrists cautioned that decriminalisation should not be considered the conclusion of the reform process.
“While we celebrate this historic milestone, we must not view it as the final destination. Indeed, it is only the beginning of the journey,” they said.
The APN called for the immediate implementation of the Mental Health Act, 2021, alongside the proposed amendment.
“Decriminalising suicide must be accompanied by a deliberate expansion of access to quality mental health services. Accessibility must be matched by affordability,” the association said.
It also called for an urgent review of the Essential Medicines List for Mental Health to ensure that psychiatric medicines are consistently available and affordable.
The psychiatrists urged the government to include essential mental health medicines in National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) coverage, saying this would reduce the financial burden on families that largely pay for mental healthcare out of pocket.
The association said the ultimate objective should be Universal Health Coverage, ensuring that Nigerians can access healthcare regardless of their income or social status.
It further stressed that suicide prevention should not be left solely to the health sector, noting that social and economic conditions have a major influence on mental health.
The APN identified unemployment, underemployment, economic hardship, rising transportation costs, inadequate housing, poor roads, insecurity, unreliable electricity and water supply, food insecurity and the rising cost of living as factors that could worsen mental health.
“When citizens are overwhelmed by poverty, insecurity, unemployment, hunger, social isolation and hopelessness, the burden on mental health inevitably increases,” it said.
The association therefore urged the government to recognise policies that improve living conditions and economic security as part of suicide prevention.
It also called for stronger action against substance abuse, drug trafficking and the illicit distribution and misuse of psychoactive substances.
“At its core, suicide prevention is about restoring hope, dignity, connection and meaning. People are more likely to hold on to life when life offers them a reason to live,” the association said.
The APN commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Executive Council and health sector officials for supporting the proposed reform.
It also urged the National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to expedite consideration and passage of the Executive Bill.
“Nigerians should not have to wait indefinitely for policies already legislated and assented to by the President that have the potential to save lives,” the psychiatrists said.
The association declared that the proposed decriminalisation should mark the beginning of a renewed national commitment to mental healthcare.
“Today, we celebrate a major victory. Tomorrow, the real work begins,” it said.
The APN added that the reform should replace “stigma with compassion, punishment with care, silence with conversation, and despair with hope.”
“Lives must be protected. Hope must be restored. And no Nigerian should be left to face a mental health crisis alone,” the association said.
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