Nigerian Senator Calls for Urgent Action on Rising Suicide Rates
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South has urged the legislative body to take immediate action to address Nigeria’s escalating suicide rates. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the country records approximately 16,000 suicide deaths annually. Ekpenyong made this call while receiving members of the Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, a coalition of mental health experts, lawyers, and civil society organisations.
The Senator, who sponsored the Suicide Prevention Bill, emphasized the need for a comprehensive framework to prevent suicides, provide services, and build capacity for mental health practitioners. He noted that depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions affect millions of Nigerians, yet they are poorly understood and rarely prioritized. Ekpenyong reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the bill, which has scaled its first reading in the Senate, and plans to push for its passage during its second reading.
Experts from the coalition stressed that the existing law, which criminalizes attempted suicide, discourages vulnerable individuals from seeking help. Professor Taiwo Lateef Sheikh, Convener of the coalition, pointed out that most victims of suicide are young people between 15 and 29 years old, describing the situation as a crisis that requires urgent attention. The coalition members, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and civil society actors, urged the National Assembly to accelerate the passage of the bill, warning that delays would result in more lives lost.
The group plans to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 with awareness campaigns, media engagements, and policy dialogues. Senator Ekpenyong has also been invited to participate in the Vanguard Mental Health Summit in October, themed “Stemming the Rising Tide of Suicide in Nigeria.” The summit and the proposed legislation aim to address the growing concern of suicide in Nigeria and provide a support system for those affected by mental health conditions.
The WHO estimates that for every recorded suicide, there are at least 20 more attempts. The coalition emphasizes that every delay in passing the bill means more lives lost, highlighting the need for swift action to address this public health issue. With the rising rates of suicide in Nigeria, the legislative body’s response to this crisis will be crucial in preventing further deaths and providing support to those affected by mental health conditions.
