VIEWPOINT FOCUSES ON ALARMING CASES OF SUICIDE IN NIGERIA AND A WAY OUT. IT IS WRITTEN BY HONOURABLE FEMI ADEBISI JP, A MEDIA CONSULTANT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS ANALYST
The recent incident of suicide in Nigeria, including the case of a young boy rescued from under a bridge in Lagos state, and a middle-aged man who jumped into the lagoon in an attempt to commit suicide highlight the alarming rate of suicide that continues to plague our nation.
The World Health Organization’s statistics on suicide rate, ranks Nigeria sixth in the world with over 17,000 lives lost in 2016.
This is a distressing revelation that demands immediate attention.
In no fewer than 20 countries, suicide is a crime, while in Nigeria, the legal position is that suicide is not a crime but attempted suicide is.
Section 327 of the criminal code act which applies to southern Nigeria states that any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable to imprisonment for one year.
Similarly, section 231 of the penal code applicable to northern Nigeria asserts that whoever attempts to commit suicide and does any act towards the commission of such offence, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or with both.
Major causes of suicide in Nigeria are poverty, mental health such as depression, heartbreaks and some policies of the government which have had a detrimental effect on the economy.
To effectively address this crisis, it is crucial to recognize the interconnectedness of poverty, mental health, and economic instability.
To tackle this issue head-on, governments must prioritize comprehensive measures that address both immediate and long-term needs of the population.
First and foremost, efforts should be directed towards providing accessible mental health services and support systems for those struggling with depression and suicidal ideation.
This includes investing in mental health infrastructure, training of healthcare professionals, and raising awareness to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
Additionally, the government should prioritize policies that foster economic growth and provide opportunities for individuals to lift themselves out of poverty.
This include creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship by facilitating access to business capital, promoting sustainable loan options, and reducing bureaucratic hurdles that hinder business development.
Furthermore, efforts should be made to establish a comprehensive health insurance system that ensures every Nigerian has access to affordable healthcare services.
Addressing the root causes of poverty also requires tackling the energy crisis that has plagued the nation.
The instability and high cost of energy have led to numerous business closures, exacerbating unemployment and further entrenching poverty.
The government should invest in sustainable and affordable energy solutions, such as renewable sources, to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
The alarming poverty rate in Nigeria demands urgent action, therefore it is a collective responsibility that requires the commitment and collaboration of the government, civil society organizations, the media and the private sector.
Only through concerted efforts can we create a society that offers hope, dignity, and equal opportunities for all its citizens.
