Nigeria News Digest: September 1, 2025

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong called on lawmakers to pass a bill that decriminalises attempted suicide and establishes a framework for prevention, helplines and mental‑health training. He cited WHO estimates of about 16 000 annual deaths in Nigeria and said the bill, already at its first reading, is a step toward a comprehensive national response.

Pregnant women in Katsina State face unsafe childbirth conditions due to the deteriorating state of Bazanga Primary Healthcare Centre. A civic group MonITng accused officials of misusing allocated funds for facility repairs, leaving the health center in dire conditions.

The federal government aims to enroll 44 million Nigerians into the National Health Insurance Scheme by 2030 to curb out-of-pocket healthcare costs. With domestic financing challenges, the initiative targets expanded financial protection, reducing the current reliance of 70% on unregulated payments.

Researchers at Yobe State University’s BioRTC made a breakthrough by collecting 1,100+ dementia-related samples in Nigeria’s largest study. The project, backed by international partnerships and government support, aims to build Africa’s first open-access cell biobank.