Asido Foundation Hails FG’s Move to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide As Landmark Reform

The Asido Foundation has welcomed the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval to amend the National Mental Health Act to decriminalise attempted suicide, calling it a landmark shift from punishment to care.

The foundation said the move validated years of advocacy for a more humane and evidence-based response to people experiencing suicidal distress and mental health crises.

The development came as Asido marked its seventh anniversary, as well as years of advocacy, including a pivotal 2024 delegation led by board chairman, Meka Niyi Olowola, and Founder/CEO, Prof. Jibril Abdulmalik, to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

Commenting, the foundation’s board chairman, Olowola, said FEC’s approval was more than a policy announcement.

“It is the culmination of years of advocacy around a simple but fundamental principle: a person who survives a suicide attempt needs care, treatment and dignity, not prosecution. When we led our delegation to the Attorney-General of the Federation in 2024, we went with a clear conviction that Nigeria could and should do better. We are therefore  encouraged to see that conversation translated into decisive government action,” Olowola said.

He stressed that the foundation is not seeking exclusive credit for the development,  acknowledging contributions of mental health professionals, civil society organisations, legislators, policymakers and other advocates.

“Reform of this magnitude is never the work of one institution. We recognise and applaud the many mental health stakeholders who have carried this cause for years. Asido is proud to be one of the voices consistently pushing for change, and particularly proud that our direct engagement with the Attorney-General contributed to building momentum around this important reform,” he added.

Olowola also commended by President Tinubu-led administration for prioritising compassion and public health.

Founder/CEO of the foundation, Prof. Abdulmalik, said the reform would help remove a major barrier to seeking help, however stressed that more work was required.

“The most important achievement here is that people who are already at their most vulnerable may increasingly encounter a system designed to help them rather than punish them. That is the direction modern mental healthcare must take. 

“Decriminalisation removes a significant barrier to help-seeking, but it must now be accompanied by accessible services, trained professionals, crisis-response systems, public education and sustained investment in mental health care. This is progress, but it is also a call to deepen the work,”Abdulmalik explained.

​He noted that marking the foundation’s seventh anniversary alongside this policy shift makes the milestone significant for the foundation, partners and supporters.

Overall, the foundation urged action on passage of legislative amendment, repeal of conflicting penal and criminal code provisions at state level, and to ensure full implementation of the Mental Health Act.