Tinubu Transmits 24 Health Sector Bills To Senate For Reform Push

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted 24 amendment bills to the Senate for consideration, seeking a sweeping reform of Nigeria’s health sector.

The bills, which cover key health institutions and regulatory bodies, were sent in line with Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and were read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

In a letter attached to the bills, President Tinubu explained that the proposals stemmed from a comprehensive legal review of existing health laws, conducted by the Attorney-General of the Federation in conjunction with the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

According to Tinubu, the legislative package is aimed at streamlining board structures, reducing bloated memberships across health institutions, and improving overall efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery.

“The proposed bills are designed to enhance the governance of various health sector agencies and institutions, strengthen service delivery and accountability, and ensure more efficient use of public health resources,” Tinubu said.

The amendment bills transmitted to the Senate are those relating to the 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; the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); and the National Blood Service Agency, among others.

The President also listed additional legislative proposals, such as the Records Officers Registration and Digital Health Bill 2025 and the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Bill 2025.

Following the reading of the President’s letter, the Senate President referred the 24 bills to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative input and processing.

President Tinubu expressed optimism that the Senate would accord the bills “careful and judicious consideration” in the interest of building a more resilient and responsive healthcare system in Nigeria.