Aniekan Bassey Reaffirms Senate’s Commitment to Healthcare Reform at National Assembly Public Hearing

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Senator Aniekan Bassey, has reaffirmed the 10th Senate’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system through far-reaching legislative reforms aimed at improving the quality, accessibility, and regulation of health services across the country.
Senator Bassey made the declaration while representing the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, at the National Assembly’s Public Hearing on key healthcare bills, where he also formally declared the event open.
The public hearing brought together the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, lawmakers, healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, and other critical stakeholders to deliberate on legislative measures expected to transform Nigeria’s health sector.
Speaking at the event, Senator Bassey emphasized that the 10th Senate remains focused on enacting people-oriented legislation that bridges the gap between policy formulation and the healthcare needs of ordinary Nigerians. He noted that improving healthcare delivery is central to the National Assembly’s legislative agenda and is essential to national development.
He explained that deliberations centered on two landmark bills designed to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare architecture.
The first, the University Teaching Hospitals Act (Amendment) Bill, seeks to modernize the country’s teaching hospitals by improving clinical training, upgrading medical infrastructure, and enhancing service delivery to align with global best practices.
The second, the National Health Facilities Regulatory Agency Bill, proposes the establishment of a regulatory framework that will enforce high professional standards, improve oversight, and guarantee patient safety across public and private healthcare facilities nationwide.
According to Senator Bassey, the proposed legislation reflects the Senate’s determination to build a healthcare system that is resilient, efficient, accountable, and capable of meeting the growing needs of Nigerians.
He expressed appreciation to the President of the Senate for the confidence reposed in him to represent the leadership of the National Assembly at the important national engagement, describing Senator Akpabio’s dedication to the welfare of Nigerians as a driving force behind the ongoing legislative reforms.
Senator Bassey stressed that lawmakers have a moral and constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and well-being of citizens through sound legislation that strengthens public institutions and improves service delivery.
He assured Nigerians that the Senate would continue to work with the Executive, healthcare professionals, and relevant stakeholders to enact laws that promote quality healthcare, protect patients, and expand access to affordable medical services across the country.
He added that the ultimate objective is to build a professional, accessible, and sustainable healthcare system that serves every Nigerian, irrespective of social or economic status.