The Nigerian Senate has passed for third reading a bill proposing the creation of the National Agency for Malaria Elimination, a move aimed at strengthening efforts to eradicate the disease across the country.
The legislation scaled its final stage in the Senate after lawmakers considered and adopted a report submitted by the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), chaired by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo of Rivers West.
According to the committee, the proposed agency will serve as the central body responsible for coordinating nationwide initiatives focused on malaria prevention, control, and eventual elimination.
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The report noted that the establishment of the agency would help transform Nigeria’s malaria response from a treatment-based approach to one centered on prevention and eradication.
The committee further recommended the creation of zonal and state offices to ensure effective nationwide implementation of the agency’s programmes.
It added that the agency’s operations would be guided by a strategic framework anchored on legislation, scientific evidence, and accountability.
Speaking after the bill was passed, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio described the proposed law as a significant step in the fight against malaria, which remains one of the most widespread health challenges in Nigeria and across Africa.
Addressing journalists after the Senate’s approval of the bill, its sponsor, Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North, expressed confidence that malaria elimination in Nigeria is attainable.
“Elimination of Malaria in Nigeria, is practicable and achievable.
“In the course of my research on elimination of Malaria, I went to Antarctica with some of my legislative aides after which I came up with the bill, which was passed for second reading in May last year and third reading by the Senate today.
“Eradicating or Eliminating Malaria is achievable in Nigeria through a special agency for that purpose.
“The agency when established, shall through effective waste management, fumigation and research on vaccine, see to the elimination of malaria in Nigeria,” he assured.
Nwoko maintained that with the right institutional framework, sustained environmental sanitation, vector control measures, and investment in research, Nigeria could become the first African country to successfully eliminate malaria.
