By Gami Tadanyigbe
Dr Mohammed Audu, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Africa Suicide Prevention Association (ASPA), has called on the Nigerian government and the National Assembly to adopt a compassionate, public health-centred approach to attempted suicide, emphasising the need to prioritise prevention, treatment and human dignity over punitive responses.
Audu said people experiencing suicidal distress require timely access to professional mental health services, psychological support and appropriate medical care, rather than legal and social barriers that could discourage them from seeking help.
He warned that the fear of prosecution, alongside stigma and discrimination, could prevent people who survive suicide attempts and their families from accessing essential healthcare and psychosocial support.
According to him, addressing suicidal behaviour effectively requires policies grounded in evidence, respect for human rights and a clear understanding of the complex psychological, social and health-related factors that may contribute to suicidal distress.
Call for Legislative Reform
Audu urged the National Assembly to engage mental health professionals, legal practitioners, suicide prevention organisations, healthcare providers, civil society groups and other relevant stakeholders in reviewing Nigeria’s legal framework on attempted suicide.
He stressed that legislative reform should promote early intervention, protect the dignity of people experiencing mental health crises and encourage individuals and families to seek professional assistance without fear of punishment.
He also called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, healthcare providers and suicide prevention organisations to ensure that legal reforms are supported by practical measures that improve access to care.
Strengthening Mental Health Services
Beyond legal reform, Audu called on federal and state governments to increase investment in mental health services, expand public awareness campaigns, strengthen emergency response systems and provide appropriate training for first responders.
He further advocated effective referral pathways linking emergency services, hospitals, mental health professionals, community-based organisations and rehabilitation facilities to ensure continuity of care for people experiencing psychological distress.
He noted that a change in the law, although important, would not be sufficient without accessible and affordable mental health services, adequately trained professionals and sustained suicide prevention programmes.
“A suicide attempt should be a call for care, not a reason to close the door to care” Audu said, underscoring the importance of ensuring that people in crisis can access timely and appropriate support.
A Public Health and Human Rights Imperative
The ASPA Advisory Board Chairman maintained that Nigeria has an opportunity to strengthen its national mental health framework by adopting policies that balance prevention, treatment, public education and the protection of fundamental human rights.
He emphasised that suicide prevention requires a coordinated response involving government, healthcare institutions, families, communities, professional associations and civil society organisations.
Audu also highlighted the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges, noting that supportive communities and responsive healthcare systems can help create an environment in which people feel safer seeking assistance.
He called for sustained commitment to evidence-based prevention strategies, early identification of psychological distress and the integration of mental health support into broader healthcare services.
Commitment to Rehabilitation and Psychosocial Support
Audu is the founder of the Dr Mohammed Audu Foundation and Rehabilitation Centre, an organisation that supports people affected by substance use disorders and related psychosocial challenges.
Through its rehabilitation and psychosocial support work, the foundation contributes to efforts to improve recovery outcomes, promote social reintegration and strengthen support for individuals and families affected by substance-related challenges.
His advocacy on attempted suicide reflects a broader call for a health system and legal environment in which people experiencing psychological distress can access appropriate care with dignity and without discrimination.
As Nigeria continues to strengthen its mental health response, Audu urged policymakers to place prevention, timely treatment and respect for human dignity at the centre of legislative and public health decisions.