The National Suicide Prevention Conference, organized by the National Suicide Advocacy
Working Group, a coalition of mental health professionals, legal practitioners, government
representatives, civil society organizations, and international partners, was held on October
10, 2024, at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja. The conference, themed “Decriminalizing Suicide
Attempt in Nigeria: Long Overdue,” brought together key stakeholders from various
ministries, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, religious and
traditional leadership, Diplomatic Corps, and international bodies. Legal and mental health
professionals as well as mental health advocates were also represented. Participants hailed
from all geopolitical zones of Nigeria, including Nigerians at home as well as those in the
diaspora, alongside international representatives from across the globe.
Through a series of engaging presentations, panel discussions, and group dialogues,
participants critically examined the current legal and health frameworks governing suicide
prevention in Nigeria. With a special focus on decriminalizing suicide attempts, the
discussions covered the key legal challenges, the role of government and non-governmental
organizations, and the cultural sensitivities required to address the issue. The conference
advocated for a shift from criminal punishment to therapeutic and compassionate
interventions for individuals in crisis.
Key Highlights from the Conference:
- Legal Framework and Decriminalization of Suicide Attempts:
The Draft National Suicide Prevention Concept Bill was presented by the
convener, Prof. Taiwo Lateef Sheikh, and officially received by high-level
government representatives, including the Hon. Coordinating Minister for
Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, ably represented by
the Director of Public Health, Dr Chukwuma Anyaike; The Hon. Minister of
Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi SAN,
ably represented by the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr Mohammed
Abubakar Babadoko, and Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin Saraki, Global Patron of
Lifeline International. The bill marks a significant step toward recognizing
suicide attempts as a mental health issue rather than a criminal act. - Commitment to the National Suicide Prevention Bill:
The conference underscored the importance of implementing the National
Suicide Prevention Bill, with commitments from the Nigerian government
and international partners to integrate suicide prevention into the broader
national mental health strategy. This will provide legal backing to the
National Suicide Prevention Framework of the Federal Ministry of Health.
The conference featured insightful presentations and discussions from
esteemed local and international speakers, including:
- Prof. Taiwo Lateef Sheikh set the stage by emphasizing the
importance of integrating suicide prevention into national mentalhealth programs,and presenting data on the alarming rates of suicide - attempts in Nigeria.
- Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe and Dr. Adegboyega Ogunwale
provided updates on the current legal framework surrounding suicide
in Nigeria and proposed pathways toward comprehensive legal
reform. They examined the development of comprehensive suicide
prevention laws, with an emphasis on the therapeutic rather than
punitive approach. - Thilini Perera, CEO of Lifeline International, reiterated Lifeline’s
global commitment to decriminalizing suicide, with a focus on
expanding efforts across Africa and in Nigeria. - Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin Saraki, Global Ambassador for Lifelien
International, reaffirmed her unwavering support for Nigeria’s efforts
to decriminalize suicide and expand mental health services. - Senator Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe emphasized the importance of
legislative reforms, highlighting the recently passed National Mental
Health Act as a foundation for broader mental health and suicide
prevention initiatives. - Representatives of Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, Chief Lateef Fagbemi
SAN and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, all expressed their full
commitment to legislative actions that will advance suicide
prevention efforts and mental health reforms. - Professor James Taiwo Obindo, President of the Nigerian Association
of Psychiatrists, expressed the association’s commitment to
advancing suicide prevention efforts in Nigeria. He stressed that
psychiatrists will continue to provide evidence-based care and work
with stakeholders to decriminalize suicide and improve mental health
services. - Professor Gboyega Emmanuel Abikoye, President of the Association
of Clinical Psychologists, pledged the association’s dedication to
intensifying efforts to support individuals in distress and bridging the
gap in mental health care. He emphasized a holistic, multisectoral
approach to suicide prevention. - Mr. Ogedengbe Kayode Anthony, National President of the
Association of Medical Social Workers of Nigeria (AMSWON),
reaffirmed AMSWON’s commitment to collaborating with
stakeholders to develop comprehensive suicide prevention strategies
and urged lawmakers to pass the suicide prevention bill.
- Cultural and Religious Sensitivity in Suicide Prevention:
Recognizing the deep cultural and religious significance of suicide in Nigeria, Dr.
Tosin Adekeye and Dr Yemisi Nyamali led conversations on how religious and
cultural teachings can be leveraged to encourage community-based support systems
that are both respectful of cultural norms and effective in preventing suicide.
Conclusion:
The National Suicide Prevention Conference marks a critical step in Nigeria’s journey
towards decriminalizing suicide attempts. With the collective commitment of all
participants, the implementation of legislative reforms and culturally sensitive suicide
prevention strategies will pave the way for a more compassionate and supportive approach
to mental health in Nigeria.
Dr Jibril Abdulmalik
Tribune Article for the column “Your Mental Health & You”
Thursday, 17th October 2024
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