Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform— October 14, 2026.
SENATE President Godswill Akpabio has come under criticism following controversial remarks he made during deliberations on a proposed bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria.
Akpabio reportedly made the comments on Tuesday, October 13, while the Senate considered the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District.
During the debate, the Senate President opposed removing criminal penalties for attempted suicide, arguing that decriminalisation could encourage more people to engage in the act. His remarks, suggesting that survivors of suicide attempts should face imprisonment, triggered widespread criticism on social media.
Several Nigerians questioned the sensitivity of the statement, arguing that suicide attempts should be approached primarily as a public health and mental health concern rather than an occasion for punishment.
Bill Seeks Medical Support, Not Criminal Punishment
Senator Ekpenyong argued that Nigeria’s existing legal framework presents a contradiction. While the National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring medical intervention, provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code continue to criminalise the act.
According to the lawmaker, criminalising suicide attempts may discourage affected individuals from seeking help, compel families to conceal such incidents and undermine efforts to gather reliable data for effective suicide-prevention programmes.
The proposed legislation seeks to replace criminal punishment with medical assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up care. It also proposes crisis helplines, public awareness campaigns, specialised training for healthcare workers and law enforcement personnel, and a national system for collecting suicide-related data.
Senator Dayo Faduyile, a medical doctor representing Ondo South, supported the health-centred approach, while Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central also backed the proposal.
Senate Advances the Bill Despite Opposition
Despite Akpabio’s stated opposition to decriminalisation, the Senate passed the bill for a second reading through a voice vote. The proposal was subsequently referred to the relevant Senate committees on health and judiciary for further consideration and a public hearing.
The development has renewed public debate about the appropriate balance between criminal law, mental healthcare and suicide prevention in Nigeria.
Mental health advocates have consistently emphasised the importance of compassionate intervention, access to professional support and policies that encourage people experiencing suicidal distress to seek help without fear of prosecution.
EMV will continue to monitor developments surrounding the proposed legislation and other issues affecting public health, governance and the welfare of Nigerians.