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FG To Decriminalise Attempted Suicide -Health Minister
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, has stated that the Federal Government is working towards decriminalising attempted suicide in the country.
He disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at a news conference to commemorate the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day.
Marked globally on September 10 every year, the commemoration has “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” as the theme for 2024.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that suicide is criminalised in the country, but there have been several calls from stakeholders to decriminalise it.
Captured under Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act, it states, “Any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for one year.”
Pate, therefore, said that the ministry had launched the National Suicide Strategic Framework (2023-2030) to enhance mental health and assist in the prevention of suicide.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, the minister said, “The document clearly identifies the risk and protective factors associated with suicide in the country.
“It also identifies the strategic objectives, interventions, and indicators for suicide prevention, in line with international best practices.
“One of the key policy actions in this document is the decriminalisation of attempted suicide.
“Instead of punishment and ostracism, we must extend helping hands and support, rather than sensationalising reportage.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is working closely with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and partners to address the section of the law that criminalises attempted suicide.
“Nigeria will soon join the committee of nations that have decriminalised attempted suicide.”
The minister stated that available data on suicide in Nigeria is reported at 12.9 per 100,000, which is high.
He added that suicide rates are particularly high among young people aged 15 to 29 years, making it the fourth leading cause of death in this age group in Africa, accounting for 40 per cent of all suicide deaths.
However, he noted that the statistics may not fully reflect the true prevalence of suicide in Africa, as the reporting and stigma surrounding mental health issues remain significant barriers to accurate reporting.
Pate also mentioned a strong link between suicide and mental health conditions, indicating that depression and alcohol use disorders are established factors.
According to him, many suicides occur impulsively in moments of crisis, with a breakdown in the ability to cope with life’s stresses, such as financial problems, relationship issues, breakups, chronic pain, and illness, among many others.
He added that the theme of the 2024 Global Observance Day focuses on raising awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicide.
The minister stated, “Changing the narrative means shifting our focus from the tragedy of suicide to prevention.
“It means moving away from taboos, stigma, and discrimination, towards empathy and positive cultural change.
“As we stand united, we acknowledge the pain and suffering of those who have lost loved ones to suicide, and we affirm our commitment to creating a society that supports and cares for those struggling with mental health issues.
“Suicide prevention is our collective responsibility, and we must all be committed to building a society that values mental health, promotes well-being, and provides care for everyone.”
The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Walter Mulombo, stated that for every suicide, there are likely to be 20 other people attempting suicide, and many more who have serious thoughts of suicide.
Represented by Mary Bantuo, Mulombo said that changing the narrative of suicide is about transforming how this complex issue is perceived, shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.
He said, “This call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention.
“Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to understanding society. By initiating vital conversations, we can break barriers, raise awareness, and create better content and support.”
He also stressed the need to prioritise suicide prevention and mental health in policymaking.
Mulombo called for government action, adding that changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritise mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
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