National Assembly moves to reform Nigeria’s healthcare system

The National Assembly is set to introduce sweeping reforms aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s healthcare system and tightening ethical standards across the sector.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said the proposed laws would address regulatory gaps, protect vulnerable citizens, and enhance professionalism in medical practice.

“There is no doubt that the passage of these bills will directly impact the healthcare sector and save the lives of innocent young people who, out of desperation, sell their organs for pittance,” Abbas said during a public hearing.

Key among the proposed bills are the establishment of a regulatory body for organ harvesting, transplantation, and donations, and the creation of the Nigeria Surrogacy Regulatory Commission.

The Speaker explained that these measures would help formalize unregulated areas of medical practice and curb unethical conduct.

The reforms also aim to improve dialysis services, strengthen primary healthcare delivery, and tackle the ongoing shortage of medical professionals.

Abbas noted that the laws would help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign medical treatment and curb the estimated $2 billion spent annually on medical tourism.

“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 boost productivity while strengthening the economy,” he added.

Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon. Amos Magaji, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in lawmaking.

He described public hearings as essential to democratic engagement and urged stakeholders to contribute actively to the process.

“Together, let us build a healthcare system that reflects the dignity, resilience, and aspirations of our people and moves us closer to achieving universal health coverage,” Magaji said.