As I walked into the hall, one question lingered in my mind: “What real impact will this event have on the growing mental health challenges we face in Nigeria, particularly in these times of rising inflation and scarce financial resources?”
It was World Mental Health Day, and like many UN-recognized days, it was marked by a significant event. Organized by Lifeline International, I attended the National Suicide Prevention Conference, representing the Centre for Communication and Social Impact. As I walked into the hall, one question lingered in my mind: “What real impact will this event have on the growing mental health challenges we face in Nigeria, particularly in these times of rising inflation and scarce financial resources?”
One presentation that truly caught my attention was by Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development. Dr. Ibrahim discussed why people die by suicide and passionately advocated for the decriminalization of suicide in Nigeria. I listened to her share everyday struggles that can lead people to consider suicide and emphasize that these are mental health issues, not criminal ones. She argued that those with suicidal thoughts need psychological support instead of facing criminal charges.
“In a nation where life should be celebrated, a silent epidemic instead is claiming thousands of lives of young people. Nigeria, a country known for our vibrant culture and resilient spirit is grappling with a hidden crisis; suicide,” she stated.
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) data puts this troubling reality in context, showing that suicide causes more deaths each year with over 720,000 suicide deaths recorded around the world . It is the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds worldwide and the second in Africa.
However, since suicide is still considered a crime, these numbers are most likely underreported, hiding the true scale of the crisis. Many cases go unreported due to fear of legal punishments and social stigma.
This led me to reflect deeply on why attempted suicide is still viewed as a crime rather than being recognized as a mental health issue. It seemed confusing that society would label such a desperate act, often driven by overwhelming pain and distress, a crime.
Section 327 of the Nigerian Criminal code which states that “Any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanor and is liable to imprisonment for one year.” And Section 231 of the Penal code states that “Whoever attempts to commit suicide and does any act towards the commission of such offence, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with a fine or with both.”
These laws are what Lifeline International, along with other organizations, are working to repeal, advocating instead for therapeutic justice for individuals who attempt suicide.
Professor Taiwo Lateef Sheikh the Africa Regional Representative at LifeLine International said this initiative is part of a broader movement to address the underlying issues contributing to mental health struggles and to ensure that those in need receive the care and support they deserve.
“You cannot solve the suicide problem thinking that it is only a health matter, it must be a whole society approach. Everybody is a stakeholder when it comes to suicide prevention, because there is no vaccine against suicide and so we are all prone to it, nobody is immune to suicide,” he said.
Representing the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the director of Public Health at the ministry, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike pledged the support of the ministry to decriminalize attempted suicide in Nigeria.
“The federal ministry of health has been able to come up with the policy framework, and we are making sure we bring everybody on board, and we are doing our best to make sure that mental health is situated where it is supposed to be,” he said,
Understanding Therapeutic Justice
Therapeutic justice is rooted in the idea that the legal process should not only seek to address wrongdoing but also promote healing for all parties involved. This approach recognizes that many individuals who find themselves in the criminal justice system may be struggling with issues such as mental health disorders, addiction, trauma, or socioeconomic disadvantages. By focusing on these root causes, therapeutic justice aims to create a more compassionate and effective system.
Deborah Adenikinju, the Executive Director of Mental Health Kafe, speaks of therapeutic justice as a “transformative approach to legal systems worldwide”. She detailed that this framework as a solution would emphasize healing over punishment, prioritizing the well-being of individuals and communities.
The Mental Health Act
In January 2023, Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, signed into law the groundbreaking Mental Health Act 2021, a long-advocated reform. This new legislation repealed the 65-year old Lunacy Act of 1958, which previously empowered medical practitioners to detain individuals with mental illnesses. The Lunacy Ordinance of 1916, which preceded the Lunacy Act of 1958, was Nigeria’s first mental health law. The Mental Health Act 2021 represents a significant advancement for mental health in Nigeria, aiming to promote and protect the rights of individuals with mental illnesses while addressing the shortcomings of the previous legislation.
The previous law inadequately addressed essential issues such as mental health promotion and the protection of the rights of individuals with mental illnesses. In contrast, the new legislation aims to rectify these shortcomings. Its objectives include providing a clear, rational, and unified approach to delivering mental health services across Nigeria. It emphasizes the promotion and protection of the fundamental human rights and freedoms of all individuals with mental health conditions. The legislation aims to establish national minimum standards for mental health services. It promotes a community-oriented approach that supports recovery from mental health conditions, as well as the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals with these conditions into their communities.
Despite the achievement of this great feat for mental health in Nigeria, there remained an aspect of the law which criminalized health issues, which is Section 327 of the Nigerian Criminal code and Section 231 of the Penal code.
These laws not only stigmatizes individuals struggling with mental health issues but also discourages them from seeking help. By labeling suicide attempts as criminal acts, it creates an environment of fear and shame, pushing individuals further away from necessary support and treatment.
Stakeholders are increasingly urging the government to repeal the law in the criminal code that criminalizes suicide attempts. This call to action reflects a growing recognition of the need for a more compassionate and effective approach to mental health in Nigeria.
Empathy Through Technology
Amidst these series of enlightening speeches and discussions about the critical need for suicide prevention, one session stood out to me in a profound way. It was a virtual reality (VR) experience that allowed participants to step into the mind of someone living with schizophrenia.
As I put on the VR headset, the world around me faded, replaced by a vivid landscape of chaotic thoughts and overlapping voices. The noise was too much to handle, the whispers and shouts at the same time, all tugging at my emotions, distorting my perception of reality. It felt like I was stuck in a never-ending situation, with each one pushing me toward hopelessness.
This immersive journey did more than simply inform; it ignited a deep compassion within me. I then understood the weight that individuals with suicidal thoughts carry, most times made worse by their mental health struggles.
The experience left me with a strong sense of empathy for those who deal with such issues.
In that moment, I realized the importance of decriminalizing suicide attempts and providing care for those affected. I was reminded that behind statistics and theories are real individuals, each facing their own struggles and deserving of our compassion and support.
As I left the hall on October 10, 2024, I felt a strong urge to help those grappling with suicidal thoughts. The words of the Minister of Youth Development echoed in my mind, particularly her emphasis on the urgency of addressing societal stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. She stated, “Our efforts must extend beyond offering help. We must actively challenge the stigma. Imagine if I told you I once had thoughts of ending my life—how would you react? You might think, ‘Oh no, that minister is crazy.’ And because of that fear, I wouldn’t seek help. It’s time we stop stigmatizing those who need it and show more empathy.”
Inspired by her powerful message and the commitments of others present, I took action by signing the petition to decriminalize attempted suicide in Nigeria. The petition was started over a year ago by Nigerian Mental Health. To learn more about it, follow the link. (https://www.change.org/p/decriminalize-attempted-suicide-in-nigeria)
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About Us
The Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI) is a leading Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) organization with expertise in utilizing evidence from research to implement effective strategies that address barriers preventing designated audiences from adopting recommended behaviours.
Birthed by the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (JHCCP), Baltimore, USA, and registered in 2001 as a Non-Governmental Organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria, CCSI continues to work towards being the center of excellence in strategic communications in Africa.
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