President Bola Tinubu has transmitted 24 health sector bills to the Senate for legislative consideration, in accordance with Section 58(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The bills were formally introduced during Tuesday’s plenary, with Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio reading a letter from the President to the lawmakers.
In his letter, President Tinubu explained that the bills were the result of a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s existing health sector laws. This review was conducted by the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, with the subsequent approval of the Federal Executive Council.
The proposed legislation seeks to reform and streamline governance structures across various health institutions, particularly focusing on reducing bloated board memberships. The aim is to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and overall service delivery within Nigeria’s health sector.
The 24 bills cover a wide range of health institutions and regulatory bodies, including:
- National Hospital for Women and Children
- Federal Medical Centres
- National Specialty Hospitals Management Board
- Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board
- National Eye Centre
- National Ear Care Centre
- Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria
- Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria
- National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
- National Blood Service Agency
Additionally, the bills include proposals such as the Records Officers Registration and Digital Health Bill 2025 and the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Bill 2025.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that the Senate would give these bills thorough and judicious consideration, with the aim of strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system. After being read out, the bills were referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative action.
