The National Assembly is considering far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abbas said the proposed laws would address gaps in the medical system and strengthen ethical standards.
“There is no doubt that the passage of these bills will directly impact the healthcare sector of our economy and save the lives of innocent young people who in desperation sell their organs for pittance,” he said.
The reforms aim to save lives and protect vulnerable Nigerians. Abbas noted that the proposed laws would help curb unethical medical practices and standardize procedures across Nigeria’s health institutions. “In sum, we are here today to formalize those unregulated or loosely governed areas of medical practice in Nigeria that continue to mitigate against our wellbeing,” he said.
The bills under consideration include establishing a regulatory body for organ harvesting, transplantation, and donations, and creating the Nigeria Surrogacy Regulatory Commission. Abbas emphasized the importance of establishing ethical frameworks for organ donation and transplantation.
The proposed laws would also build capacity in dialysis services, enhance primary healthcare delivery, and address the country’s health workforce crisis. Abbas said the new laws would help Nigeria reduce its dependence on foreign medical care and plug the estimated $2 billion spent annually on medical tourism.
The Speaker noted that standardizing healthcare practices and tightening regulations would not only reduce illegal activities but also save lives and boost productivity. “By filling existing weaknesses in the sector, from lax regulations to poor standardization and eroding professionalism, these bills have the potential to reduce crime, save lives, and improve productivity while also strengthening the economy,” he said.
The public hearing demonstrated the House’s commitment to participatory democracy and inclusive lawmaking. Abbas urged stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the process, saying, “It is my expectation that you will give these discussions your best attention by deliberating freely and patriotically.”
The Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon. Amos Magaji, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to transparent, inclusive, and people-centered lawmaking. “Public hearings such as this are not mere formalities; they are the lifeblood of democratic engagement,” he said.
The committee would continue to uphold openness and accountability in its work, using the input from the public hearing to refine the bills and meet both national and global standards in healthcare governance.
“Together, let us build a healthcare system that reflects the dignity, resilience, and aspirations of our people and ultimately achieve the goal of universal health coverage,” Magaji said.
(Authority)
