The Senator representing Cross River South, Asuquo Ekpenyong, has reaffirmed his commitment to the Suicide Prevention Bill before the Senate.
The bill, which had its first reading in February, seeks to decriminalise attempted suicide and create a national framework for mental health support and suicide prevention.
Ekpenyong gave the assurance in Abuja when he received members of the Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, a coalition of psychiatrists, legal experts, and civil society advocates.
According to the World Health Organisation, about 727,000 people die by suicide annually, with Nigeria recording at least 16,000 deaths every year, mostly among youths aged 15–29.
Mental health experts say criminalising attempted suicide discourages victims from seeking help.
Senator Ekpenyong pledged to champion the bill when it comes up for second reading, stressing the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s rising mental health crisis.
