May 9, (THEWILL) – The Asido Foundation, a prominent mental health advocacy organisation, has called for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria.
The foundation made the call during a recent advocacy visit to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
During the visit, the Foundation also urged the Minister’s backing for the implementation of the Mental Health Act, which is crucial for protecting the human rights of persons with mental disorders.
The delegation from the Asido Foundation was led by Mr Meka Olowola, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He was accompanied by the Founder and CEO, Dr Jibril Abdulmalik; Mrs Yetunde Enendu, Regional Coordinator I, Abuja Region; and Dr Chibuzo Anoje, Regional Coordinator II for Abuja.
This initiative underscores the Foundation’s commitment to advancing mental health reforms and ensuring the dignity and rights of individuals struggling with mental health issues are upheld.
Requesting for Nigeria’s alignment with international standards, Mr Meka Niyi Olowola passionately stated, “According to the World Health Organisation, one in every four persons is at risk of a mental disorder. We urge the government to take immediate action to decriminalise attempted suicide and implement the Mental Health Act.
Decriminalising attempted suicide will enable Nigeria to join a host of nations that offer support instead of punishment for mental health issues.”
Mental health is a crucial component of our overall well-being, with profound implications. Approximately 50 million Nigerians are at risk of facing mental health challenges during their lifetimes.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 1 million lives are lost to suicide annually, equating to one death every 40 seconds. Despite these disturbing statistics, attempted suicide remains criminalised in Nigeria, resulting in up to one year of imprisonment for survivors.
Dr Abdulmalik, CEO/Founder, further made the case that: ‘Mental disorders especially depression are responsible for the majority of attempted suicide cases, which is why decriminalisation has occurred across the world. Thus, what they need is to be sent to a hospital for care and treatment and not arrested for prosecution or imprisonment. We urgently need to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria.”
The Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, in his response, applauded the Asido Foundation for its work in promoting mental health advocacy and for coming forward with constructive suggestions that are beneficial.
Fagbemi stated that the President Tinubu-led administration is committed to improving the system for the benefit of all citizens and as such, positive and constructive engagements such as this, will always be very welcome.
“I will take this matter to the meeting of State Attorneys General for their consideration and action. And with respect to the Mental Health Act, I am reasonably sure that it is something my colleague, the Honourable Minister of Health, would already be considering. I will work with him to achieve its implementation”, he said.
The Asido Foundation calls on all stakeholders, including government bodies, mental health experts, the media, religious leaders, and the public, to unite in promoting mental health wellbeing.
“Together, we can challenge stigma, advocate for support and services, foster open discussions about mental health, and build a society where everyone can flourish. By advocating for mental health reform, Nigeria can diminish the stigma associated with mental illness, broaden access to mental health services, and enhance the overall quality of life. This will contribute to economic growth and affirm mental health as a fundamental human right”, it added.
Photo Descriptions: L- R: Asido Regional Coordinator II Abuja, Dr Chibuzo Anoje; Dr Jibril Abdulmalik, Founder, Asido Foundation; Attorney General and Hon Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN; Chairman, Asido BOT, Mr Meka Niyi Olowola and Asido Regional Coordinator I, Abuja, Mrs Yetunde Enendu, when Members of the Asido Foundation, paid on a visit to advocate for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria, in Abuja.
