By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — The Senate has passed a bill seeking the establishment of the National Agency for Malaria Elimination in Nigeria, alongside related matters aimed at strengthening the country’s response to malaria.
The Malaria Elimination Agency Bill, 2026 (SB.172) was passed on Wednesday after it was read for the third time and approved following clause-by-clause consideration.
The legislation, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), provides for the creation of a national framework for a coordinated, data-driven and results-oriented approach to tackling malaria in Nigeria.
The bill, as considered by the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), chaired by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo (PDP, Rivers West), recommends the establishment of an agency responsible for coordinating all national malaria prevention, control and elimination efforts.
The proposed agency is expected to shift Nigeria’s approach from treatment-based responses to prevention and eventual eradication strategies, while also establishing zonal and state offices to drive implementation nationwide.
It also provides for a strategic national malaria elimination plan anchored on science, accountability and sustained policy execution.
Presenting the committee’s report, lawmakers noted that the agency would strengthen institutional coordination and improve long-term outcomes in malaria control across the country.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the legislation as a landmark step in Nigeria’s fight against malaria, which remains one of the country’s most prevalent diseases.
Reacting after the passage of the bill, Senator Nwoko said malaria elimination in Nigeria is achievable with sustained commitment and the right institutional framework.
He said the proposed agency would focus on waste management, fumigation, and research into vaccine development as part of efforts to eliminate the disease.
“Eradicating or eliminating malaria is achievable in Nigeria through a special agency for that purpose,” Nwoko said.
