Senator Calls For Urgent Measures Against Spate Of Suicides In Nigeria
ABUJA – Senator representing Cross River South in the National Assembly, Asuquo Ekpenyong has called for urgent actions to address the spate of suicide rates in Nigeria.
Senator Ekpenyong who made the call in Abuja, on Sunday when he received members of the Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, noted that World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that approximately 16,000 suicide deaths happen annually in the country.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the Suicide Prevention Bill, which he sponsored in the Senate, and has scaled its first reading since February.
”The bill seeks to decriminalise attempted suicide and provide a comprehensive framework for prevention, service delivery, helplines, and capacity building for mental health practitioners”
“Depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions affect millions of Nigerians, yet they are poorly understood and rarely prioritised”
He maintained that suicide prevention requires government attention, sustained education, and Sensitisation.
Related Posts:
The Senator however assured the group of his commitment to push the bill during its second reading, while canvassing the support of his colleagues for a robust debate backed by data and evidence.
In a remark, the convener of the coalition, Professor Taiwo Lateef said the existing law criminalising attempted suicide discouraged help-seeking among vulnerable persons.
He said according to WHO, Nigeria records about 16,000 suicide deaths annually, and this is a conservative figure because many cases go unreported.
Professor Lateef further explained that most victims were young people aged between 15 and 29, describing the situation as a crisis that must be urgently addressed.
The group also outlined plans to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 with sensitisation campaigns, media engagements, and policy dialogues.
