Senate Passes Three Professional Council Amendment Bills for Second Reading, Adopts Key Reports
Senate Passes Three Professional Council Amendment Bills for Second Reading, Adopts Key Reports
Senate Passes Three Professional Council Amendment Bills for Second Reading, Adopts Key Reports
The Senate on Wednesday passed three amendment bills seeking to reduce the statutory membership of the governing boards of selected professional regulatory bodies as part of efforts to improve efficiency, accountability and governance.
The bills, which scaled second reading during plenary, are the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022 (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Nursing and Midwifery (Registration, Etc.) Act, 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Radiographers (Registration, Etc.) Act, 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Contributing to the debate, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, said reducing the size of the governing boards would minimise internal conflicts often associated with large memberships, improve efficiency and strengthen accountability.
According to him, the move would also reduce the cost of governance, allowing resources to be redirected to critical capital projects and other developmental priorities.
During the plenary, the Senate also considered and adopted four committee reports, including the report of the Conference Committee on the National Assembly Pension Board Act, 2023 (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The Senate further adopted reports of the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions on petitions involving the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) over the alleged withholding of a 2024 examination result, the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) over the alleged refusal to refund an erroneous payment of ₦17.18 million, and a petition against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Airtel Networks Limited over allegations arising from a dispute involving a subscriber.
Lawmakers also adopted a motion on the recent attacks by suspected bandits on Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi and Ondo Ugboju communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, where about 20 residents were reportedly killed.
The motion, sponsored by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, urged security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace in the affected communities.
Among its resolutions, the Senate mandated the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attacks, identify those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted.
At the close of plenary, senators who celebrated their birthdays in the previous month, including the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, were honoured with a cake-cutting ceremony.
The Senate adjourned plenary until Thursday, July 16, 2026, for the continuation of legislative business.
Senate Passes Three Professional Council Amendment Bills for Second Reading, Adopts Key Reports
