Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has defended his remarks on the proposed suicide bill, insisting on his position amid growing criticism from psychiatrists, who have demanded an apology.
The psychiatrists faulted Akpabio’s comments, warning that they could reinforce stigma against people experiencing suicidal thoughts and discourage those struggling with mental health challenges from seeking professional help.
Lacking empathy, Akpabio was quoted as saying during the Senate debate on October 13, 2026, that, “If you attempt it (suicide), you better succeed. If you don’t succeed, we will send you to prison.”
In a statement signed by its President, Dr Veronica Nyamali, and Secretary, Prof Mayowa Okonoda, the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) said its statement was prompted by reports that the Senate was considering a bill by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong seeking to establish a framework for suicide prevention, decriminalise attempted suicide, and provide support for survivors, with Sections 327 and 231 of Nigeria’s Criminal Code and Penal Code, respectively, identified as provisions currently used to criminalise attempted suicide.
The association maintained that: “A person who survived a suicide attempt should be regarded first and foremost as an individual experiencing severe psychological distress, and that the appropriate response was urgent medical care, compassionate assessment, treatment, safety planning, and follow-up care, not a threat of imprisonment.
“APN respectfully but firmly rejects the proposition that a person who survives a suicide attempt should be punished for surviving. Public officials have a particular responsibility to communicate in ways that protect life, reduce stigma and encourage people at risk to seek help.
“The association acknowledges that suicide and attempted suicide are serious public health concerns requiring urgent and comprehensive intervention.
“However, a person who survives a suicide attempt should be regarded first and foremost as an individual experiencing severe psychological distress.
“The appropriate response is urgent medical care, compassionate assessment, treatment, safety planning and follow-up—not a threat of imprisonment.
“The APN respectfully calls upon the National Assembly to give careful consideration to the evidence and international public-health guidance concerning the criminalisation of attempted suicide and to engage mental health professionals, people with lived experience, human-rights experts and other stakeholders in the legislative process.”