Nigeria's criminalization of suicide undermines mental health efforts, expert warns
Mental health expert Ezera Emetu has warned that Nigeria's criminalization of attempted suicide under Section 327 of the Criminal Code is undermining suicide prevention efforts and worsening the country's mental health crisis. Emetu spoke during World Suicide Prevention Day, stating Nigeria must urgently shift from punishment to treatment in responding to psychological distress. The law exposes individuals in crisis to arrest and prosecution rather than medical care, fueling stigma and discouraging help-seeking behavior. Public health estimates suggest over 15,000 Nigerians die by suicide annually, with nearly 90% linked to mental health disorders like depression. Nigeria has fewer than 300 psychiatrists for 200 million people, creating a critical gap between need and care. Emetu emphasized that criminalization reinforces the false belief that mental illness is a moral failing rather than a treatable medical condition. He cited countries that decriminalized suicide and adopted public health approaches as having improved help-seeking behavior and reduced suicide deaths. Emetu called for repealing the law and investing in community mental health services, crisis support systems, and public education to reduce stigma.