Thanks to the generosity of philanthropic supporters, LifeLine International and our partners have helped advance significant progress towards the decriminalisation of suicide in Nigeria. Working alongside Nigerian leaders and organisations, this milestone reflects more than four years of sustained advocacy, partnership-building and technical support aimed at reducing stigma, improving help-seeking, and creating a more compassionate response to people experiencing suicidal crisis.

In August 2026, the Federal Executive Council approved amendments to the National Mental Health Act to pave the way for reform. Building on this progress in September, our global Patron HE Toyin Saraki, together with the Norwegian Embassy and the Australian High Commission, convened a high‑level roundtable in Abuja to advance national dialogue on decriminalisation and crisis support. In October, the National Suicide Prevention Bill passed its second reading in the Senate, marking another significant step as the legislative process continues.

LifeLine International particularly wishes to acknowledge Australian businessman Mr. Greg O’Neill OAM, President & CEO of global investors Watermill Capital Partners, and previous owner and CEO of the $27 billion La Trobe Financial. Greg was the first financial supporter of LifeLine International’s lobbying efforts on this matter.” 

LifeLine International CEO Thilini Perera said, “Greg’s generous personality, belief, and significant seed funding in 2022 enabled us to begin this work when it was still considered ambitious and uncertain. It allowed us to build the evidence base, relationships, and momentum towards progressive change in Nigeria’s legal system. Greg was the first person to believe in our global decriminalisation vision, and momentum is genuinely part of his personal legacy working with LifeLine’s former Chairman John Brogden. As a result, other individuals have followed his lead in supporting this very worthy cause. “

Greg O’Neill added “this significant breakthrough for LifeLine International in their global suicide decriminalisation project deserves recognition. However, the work cannot stop here. According to the World Health Organisation and international advocacy networks, over twenty countries still explicitly criminalise attempted suicide in their statutory laws. We need to better assist people who find themselves in often difficult temporary life circumstances and treat them with mental health counselling support rather than as a criminal offence.

While this legislative milestone is an important step forward, the work is far from complete. Continued efforts are needed to reduce stigma, strengthen crisis-support services and ensure people experiencing suicidal distress can seek help safely and without fear.

LifeLine International is deeply grateful to Mr O’Neill whose generosity has helped make this progress possible. His commitment demonstrates that strategic, long-term giving can contribute to meaningful change that saves lives and strengthens communities.