SENATE DEBATES SUICIDE DECRIMINALISATION BILL
Nigeria’s Senate has passed a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide for second reading, despite Senate President Godswill Akpabio arguing that people who survive suicide attempts should remain liable to imprisonment.
The bill, sponsored by Cross River South Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, receives majority support during Tuesday’s plenary and is referred to the Senate Committees on Health and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative consideration.
The proposed legislation seeks to replace criminal punishment with medical assessment, treatment and support for people who survive suicide attempts.
Leading the debate, Ekpenyong argues that existing provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code conflict with the National Mental Health Act, which recognises me8ntal health emergencies and the need for appropriate intervention.
He warns that criminalising attempted suicide could discourage survivors from seeking help, encourage families to conceal incidents and make it more difficult for health workers to report cases.
Several senators support the proposed change. Ondo South Senator Dayo Faduyile, a medical doctor, argues that attempted suicide should be treated as a medical emergency rather than a criminal offence.
Bauchi Central Senator Abdul Ningi also supports medical intervention, while Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele raises questions about how the proposed amendments would apply across states with different legal frameworks.
However, Akpabio maintains that removing criminal penalties could encourage suicide attempts. He tells the chamber, “If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail.”
The bill’s passage at second reading means it proceeds to committee consideration; it has not yet become law.
CROSS RIVER EROSION CRISIS
In a separate development, the Senate calls on the Federal Government to release funds from the Ecological Fund to tackle erosion and landslides threatening communities in Cross River State.
The motion, also sponsored by Ekpenyong, highlights the growing risks in several parts of Calabar, including Atakpa, Edim Otop, Ikot Anwatim, Nyaghasang, Bacoco and Akai Effa.
The senator cites a July landslide at Ikot Anwatim that kills five people, including four siblings, destroys two houses and injures two other residents. He also reports another landslide in Edim Otop that claims the life of an eight-year-old girl.
Ekpenyong identifies poor drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, unregulated sand mining, vegetation removal and damage to drainage infrastructure as factors worsening erosion.
He urges the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Cross River State Government and relevant agencies to assess high-risk areas and begin urgent protective works, supported by sound engineering and environmental assessments.
Following the adoption of the motion, Akpabio directs the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to work with state emergency authorities and local councils to provide temporary shelter, food, medical care and psychosocial support to affected families.
NEMA is also directed to facilitate the safe evacuation and temporary relocation of residents facing imminent danger and establish early-warning systems to monitor unstable locations.
The Senate Committee on Environment is further mandated to inspect affected communities, assess existing interventions and report back with recommendations.
The twin developments place mental health policy and environmental protection on the Senate’s legislative agenda, with further committee action expected on both matters.
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