By Muhammad Amaan
The National Health Act 2014 Amendment Bill 2025 passes first reading and proceeded to second reading at Senate
The Bill presented by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo seeks to amend the National Health Act, 2014 to increase the statutory allocation to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from one percent (1%) to two percent (2%), to enhance the delivery of primary health care services across the country.
The bill aims to amend the existing National Health Act to improve various aspects of the Nigerian healthcare system. The presentation marks a significant step in the legislative process, initiating discussions and potential revisions to the current healthcare legislation.
It further introduces a new stand-alone provision for the statutory funding of immunization services as a national priority.
The clause establishes immunization as a funded program under the National Health Act, with a guaranteed, separate source of annual financing.
The objective is to ensure sustainable and predictable funding for routine and emergency immunization, safeguard public health, and accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage and the eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases in Nigeria.
Health Reporters Newspaper report that the presentation of the bill signals the commencement of the amendment process, which will involve debates, committee reviews, and potential revisions before a final vote.
Our correspondent reports that the bill was formally presented to the senate chamber and read for the first time. The bill is now at second reading.
These readings involve debates on the bill’s merits and potential impact, with opportunities for further amendments.
