Nigeria, Oct. 17 -- A mental health advocacy group, Nigerian Mental Health (NMH), has welcomed the Senate's passage of the Suicide Prevention Bill, 2024 (SB 730), seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria.

The bill, sponsored by the senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Asuquo Ekpenyong, passed second reading on 13 October 2026 and was referred to the Senate Committees on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further consideration.

NMH and the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group (NSPAWG) made their position known in a joint statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Friday, calling for inclusive public hearings as the bill progresses.

The organisati...