Senate Advances Health, Economic and Safety Reforms at Plenary
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline Newspaper.
15th October 2025
The Nigerian Senate, at its plenary session today, recorded significant legislative progress with the introduction, debate, and passage of several critical bills and motions focused on national development, healthcare, consumer protection, and aviation safety.
A total of five bills were introduced and scaled through first reading, including the Microbiology Biology Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, SB. 912, aimed at providing a regulatory framework for the microbiology profession in Nigeria.
Among the day’s highlights was the second reading of two important bills, notably:
1. The Sickle Cell Disorder Research and Therapy Centres (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 893), sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung (Kaduna South). The bill seeks to expand access to specialised care for sickle cell disorder patients, promote data collection, facilitate research, and support education and advocacy for affected families and communities.
2. The Factoring Services Regulation Bill, 2025 (SB. 474), sponsored by Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo (Cross River South), which aims to improve access to finance for MSMEs by regulating and promoting transparency in factoring services.
While rounding off debate on the sickle cell bill, lauded the initiative, noting its potential to bring transformative healthcare support to millions of Nigerians living with the condition.
“We must explore every possible avenue to provide support for those affected by sickle cell disorder,” the senator emphasized.
The Senate also received and considered two critical committee reports:
The Committee on Trade and Investment presented its report on the confirmation of executive commissioners for the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), including:
Mr. Louis Odion (South South) – Executive Commissioner, Operations
Hajia Ummusalma Isiyaka Rabiu (Kano, North West) – Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services
The Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters submitted its report on the confirmation of Prof. Yusuf Mohammad as Commissioner of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC), representing the North East.
In his commendation, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin applauded the President’s choice of appointees, describing Hajia Ummusalma as a “committed and passionate citizen” whose contributions would be invaluable to the Commission.
The Senate passed five House bills for concurrence, reinforcing ongoing efforts to upgrade health infrastructure, support correctional institutions, and streamline trade:
1. Nigeria Correctional Service Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2025
2. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ikosu Moba, Ekiti (Establishment) Bill, 2025
3. Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025
4. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025
5. Export (Prohibition) Act (Repeal) Bill, 2025
All were sponsored for concurrence by Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central).
In addition, the National Identity Management Commission (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 was recommitted for a third reading, following a motion for rescission and re-committal.
Safety in the aviation sector was brought to the fore following a motion by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North) regarding the Air Peace runway overrun incident at the Port Harcourt International Airport. The motion followed the recent Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) report.
The Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, in his remarks, stressed the urgent need for proactive safety measures in the aviation industry.
“Aviation is a vital sector for every economy. Neglecting this sector could jeopardise our economy and endanger the lives of our citizens,” he warned, urging stakeholders to act swiftly.
The Senate adopted all the prayers outlined in the motion, signalling a renewed commitment to aviation safety and regulatory enforcement.
Today’s plenary showcased the Senate’s robust legislative agenda, with reforms touching on healthcare, economic empowerment, aviation safety, and institutional appointments. As the bills move to further stages, stakeholders across sectors are watching closely, hopeful for impactful implementation and positive change.
