The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, says the National Assembly will soon introduce major reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system and address unethical medical practices, including the growing trend of young Nigerians selling their organs out of desperation.
Dr. Abbas made this known in Abuja during a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Healthcare Services on seven health-related bills under consideration.Represented by the Deputy Chief Whip,Ibrahim Isiaka, the Speaker said the proposed laws are aimed at filling critical gaps in the healthcare system, improving ethical standards, and ensuring uniform regulation across medical practices nationwide.
“There is no doubt that the passage of these bills will directly impact our healthcare sector and save the lives of innocent young people who, in desperation, sell their organs for a pittance—without understanding the long-term health implications,” Dr. Abbas stated.
Focus on Organ Transplantation and Surrogacy Ethics
Dr. Abbas noted that the National Assembly is determined to close gaps in regulation, particularly in sensitive areas such as organ transplantation and surrogacy, which have so far operated with limited oversight.
“It is important to establish ethical frameworks for organ donation and transplantation,” he said. “We must also provide legal clarity for surrogacy arrangements, especially as it pertains to the commercial aspect of this sensitive venture.”
The Speaker added that the proposed reforms will also strengthen dialysis services, boost primary healthcare delivery, and address Nigeria’s worsening health workforce crisis caused by the mass emigration of medical professionals.
Bills Aimed at Standardisation and Ethical Regulation
According to Dr. Abbas, standardising healthcare practices and enforcing tighter regulations will reduce illegal activities such as organ trafficking, enhance medical professionalism, and improve overall productivity in the sector.
“By addressing weaknesses from lax regulations to eroding professionalism, these bills can reduce crime, save lives, and boost productivity while strengthening our economy,” he added.
The Speaker also praised the Committee Chairman, Amos Gwamna Magaji, and members for their commitment to reforms aligned with the 10th House’s Legislative Agenda, focused on building a transparent and ethically compliant healthcare system.
Committee Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Lawmaking
Dr. Amos Gwamna Magaji, Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to transparent, inclusive, and people-centered legislation that ensures equitable access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
He described the public hearing as a crucial democratic process that allows citizens and stakeholders to shape laws impacting national wellbeing.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare services,” Dr. Magaji said, emphasizing that collaboration and dialogue are vital for sustainable health reforms and achieving universal health coverage.
Bills Under Consideration
The seven healthcare-related bills currently under review include:
1. A Bill to Establish a Regulatory Body for Organ Harvesting, Transplantation, and Donations
2. A Bill to Create the Nigeria Surrogacy Regulatory Commission for the supervision of surrogacy arrangements
3. A Bill to Amend the National Health Act (2014) to establish the National Quality Accreditation Commission and Federal Tertiary Health Institutions Commission
4. A Bill to Establish the Chartered Institute of Medical Dialysis Studies
5. A Bill to Amend the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency Act to improve operational efficiency
6. A Bill on the Retirement Age of Health Workers7. A Bill to Amend the National Health Act to prohibit and penalise organ trafficking.
Reporting by Tanimu Salihu