Nigeria, Oct. 14 -- A bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria has passed second reading in the Senate, despite Senate President Godswill Akpabio insisting that people who survive suicide attempts should remain liable to imprisonment.

during Tuesday's plenary after a majority of senators supported it through a voice vote.

The bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Committees on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative action.

The bill, sponsored the senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Asuquo Ekpenyong, seeks to decriminalise attempted suicide and establish a legal framework for suicide prevention, treatment and support for survi...