Assisted Dying Debates in Transition: Implications for Nigeria in a Shifting Global Context

Debates on assisted dying remain persistent and complex globally. Recent developments, including support for assisted dying legislation in jurisdictions traditionally opposed—such as United Kingdom—indicate a significant shift in legal and ethical discourse. These evolving trends have implications for countries like Nigeria, which cannot remain insulated from global developments. The paper aims to revisit the concept of assisted dying and critically examine the competing arguments that shape global debates, with a view to informing Nigeria’s potential future position on the issue. The study adopts a doctrinal and analytical review approach. It presents and compares the arguments of both proponents and opponents of assisted dying, examining them side by side to assess their relative strengths and implications. The analysis demonstrates that neither proponents nor opponents possess a monopoly over persuasive arguments. Both perspectives present valid and competing ethical and legal considerations, with no single position carrying definitive superiority. Although Nigeria currently maintains a position against assisted dying, the absence of decisive superiority in the competing arguments suggests that this stance cannot be sustained with absolute certainty. There is a need for Nigeria to reconsider its position and engage more critically with the perspectives advanced by advocates of assisted dying