The Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Asuquo Ekpenyong, has pledged to continue pushing for the passage of the Suicide Prevention Bill currently before the National Assembly.

The bill, which scaled its first reading in February, seeks to decriminalise attempted suicide while establishing a comprehensive framework for prevention, mental health support, and response services in Nigeria.

Naijaonpoint reports that Ekpenyong’s renewed commitment was contained in a statement signed by the convener of the Suicide Prevention Advocacy Group and Continental Representative for LifeLine International, Prof. Taiwo Sheikh, on Sunday.

The senator restated his position when he received members of the coalition, comprising psychiatrists, legal experts, civil society groups, and mental health practitioners, who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.

WHO: 727,000 Die Globally Every Year

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 727,000 people die by suicide globally each year, with suicide ranking as the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.

Prof. Sheikh, who led the advocacy visit, argued that Nigeria’s law criminalising attempted suicide has worsened the crisis.

“When you criminalise attempted suicide, you stigmatise people who are already vulnerable. Nigeria records about 16,000 suicide deaths annually, and that is a conservative figure because many cases go unreported. Most of the victims are young people between the ages of 15 and 29. This is a crisis that must be urgently addressed,” Sheikh said.

He explained that the proposed bill would not only expunge punitive laws but also provide funding, training, helplines, and data systems to strengthen nationwide prevention and response mechanisms.

Responding, Senator Ekpenyong commended the coalition for its sustained advocacy, acknowledging the poor prioritisation of mental health in Nigeria.

“Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions affect millions of Nigerians, yet they are poorly understood and rarely prioritised. Suicide prevention is an issue that requires government attention, sustained education, and sensitisation,” the senator said.

He assured the group that he would champion the bill during its second reading, working with colleagues to ensure “robust debate backed by strong data and evidence.”

Other coalition members, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and legal experts, stressed the urgency of legislative action, citing the high youth suicide rate and rising economic and social costs of untreated mental health challenges.

“For every recorded suicide, there are at least 20 more attempts. In Nigeria, every delay in passing this bill means more lives lost,” said the Executive Director of the Sunshine Series, Aisha Bubah.

The group urged the Federal Government and lawmakers to treat suicide prevention as a public health priority rather than a criminal matter.