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Sola Shittu
The Senate on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill aimed at establishing a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for the development, coordination and integration of electronic health services across Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, is titled “A Bill for an Act to provide for a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for the development, coordination and the integration of electronic health services in Nigeria and for related matters, 2026 (SB. 758).”
The bill seeks to provide the legal foundation for the adoption, regulation and expansion of digital healthcare services nationwide as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Its provisions are expected to promote the use of technology in healthcare delivery through initiatives such as telemedicine, electronic medical records, digital health information management and the seamless integration of health data across healthcare institutions.
Following debate on the general principles of the legislation during plenary, lawmakers unanimously supported the proposal, paving the way for its passage for second reading.
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, subsequently referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) for detailed legislative consideration.
The committee was directed to scrutinise the provisions of the bill, consult with relevant stakeholders where necessary, and submit its report to the Senate within four weeks.
When enacted, the legislation is expected to provide a robust legal framework for electronic health services in Nigeria, expand access to healthcare through digital platforms, strengthen the management and protection of health information, and improve coordination among healthcare providers.
The proposed law is also expected to bring Nigeria’s healthcare sector in line with global digital health standards by establishing clear regulatory guidelines for electronic health services while encouraging innovation and enhancing the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery.
