In a significant move aimed at improving the nation’s healthcare infrastructure, the Nigerian Senate has passed a crucial bill for the establishment of a Health Infrastructure Development Agency.
The upper chamber’s decision, made on Thursday, marks a pivotal step towards enhancing the quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare across the country.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment of Health Infrastructure Development Agency and for other matters connected therewith, 2024 (SB. 135),” was presented for consideration by Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West.
Senator Ngwu advocated for the bill, emphasizing its potential to elevate the health sector’s infrastructure and development to new heights.
During the deliberations, Senator Ngwu underscored the urgent need to prioritize investments in healthcare infrastructure to ensure quality healthcare delivery to all citizens.
His impassioned plea resonated with several other senators who voiced their support for the bill’s passage, citing its crucial role in advancing the nation’s healthcare agenda.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, expressed his backing for the bill, recognizing its significance in driving positive change in the healthcare landscape.
Following extensive discussions, the bill sailed through its second reading and was subsequently referred to the joint committee on health for further scrutiny.
The committee is expected to conduct thorough deliberations and report back to the Senate within two weeks, paving the way for the bill’s eventual enactment into law.
In another development, the Senate also made strides towards advancing education and entrepreneurship with the introduction of a bill for an act to establish the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama, Borno State.
Sponsored by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan of Borno Central, the bill seeks to address the growing need for specialized education and training in agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Senator Lawan emphasized the university’s unique focus on equipping students with practical skills in entrepreneurship, drawing inspiration from successful models in countries like Australia and America.
The bill was read for the second time and subsequently referred to Joint committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND , the committee are to report back in 2 weeks.
