The Senate has passed a bill seeking the establishment of a National Agency for Malaria Elimination, a major legislative step aimed at intensifying Nigeria’s battle against one of its deadliest public health threats.
Having passed its third reading during plenary, the proposed bill sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko od Delta State is designed to create a specialized institution responsible for coordinating national efforts to prevent, control and ultimately eliminate malaria across the country.
Lawmakers backing the measure argued that despite years of interventions, malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death in Nigeria, particularly among children under five and pregnant women. They noted that existing efforts require stronger coordination and dedicated oversight to achieve meaningful progress.
Under the bill, the agency would be tasked with developing and implementing malaria-elimination strategies, promoting research, coordinating disease surveillance, mobilizing resources and collaborating with local and international partners involved in public health initiatives.
Senators said the new body would help streamline anti-malaria programmes, improve accountability in the use of resources and strengthen public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing infections nationwide.
Supporters of the legislation maintained that the establishment of a dedicated agency is necessary to meet national and global targets for malaria reduction. They expressed confidence that the move would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to tackle the disease more effectively.
Health stakeholders have welcomed the Senate’s decision, describing it as a significant step toward improving public health outcomes and reducing the economic burden associated with malaria.
The bill is expected to proceed through the remaining legislative processes before being transmitted for presidential assent. If signed into law, the agency would become the central institution driving Nigeria’s malaria elimination agenda.
