Senate Advances Key Bills as Barau Highlights Efforts on Investment, Microbiology Regulation
Senate Advances Key Bills as Barau Highlights Efforts on Investment, Microbiology Regulation
Senate Advances Key Bills as Barau Highlights Efforts on Investment, Microbiology Regulation
The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, has announced progress on two legislative proposals sponsored by him as the Senate continues efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework for national development.
Speaking after Wednesday’s plenary session, Senator Barau disclosed that a bill seeking to amend the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) Act successfully passed first reading alongside three other bills.
He also revealed that a bill for an Act to establish the Microbiology Council of Nigeria passed second reading after receiving overwhelming support from lawmakers.
According to the Deputy Senate President, the proposed council is aimed at regulating and controlling the practice of microbiology in Nigeria, promoting professionalism among practitioners and addressing longstanding gaps in the profession.
He noted that the legislation would enhance public health, food safety and environmental sustainability while providing a regulatory framework for microbiologists across the country.
Barau explained that the proposed council would be self-financing and would not depend on government funding for its operations.
“The absence of a regulatory body has long hindered the optimal growth of the profession,” he said while leading debate on the bill.
The Senate subsequently referred the bill to the relevant committee for further legislative consideration.
Lawmakers also passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the Border Communities Development Agency Act to provide for additional border communities across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Senate considered and adopted motions on the recent abduction of students, teachers and a toddler in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as the continued captivity of women and children abducted in Woro, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The motions were sponsored by Abdulfatai Buhari and Sadiq Suleiman Umar respectively.
During deliberations, senators unanimously condemned the activities of bandits and other criminal groups responsible for attacks and kidnappings across the country.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Barau commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and directing security agencies to intensify efforts against banditry and insecurity.
He urged the President to sustain the momentum until criminal elements are decisively defeated.
Barau also praised the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their ongoing efforts to restore peace and security, while pledging that the National Assembly would strengthen its oversight responsibilities to ensure accountability in the fight against crime.
In addition, the Senate adopted reports from relevant committees and passed two bills for third reading. They include the Customs and Excise Tariff (Consolidation) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Malaria Elimination Agency Bill, 2026.
The legislative developments underscore the Senate’s focus on economic reforms, professional regulation, public health and national security as part of broader efforts to support Nigeria’s development agenda.
Senate Advances Key Bills as Barau Highlights Efforts on Investment, Microbiology Regulation
