General News
House proposes reforms to stop human organ sale in Nigeria
By Saint Mugaga
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has said the National Assembly is considering far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s healthcare sector that will help save the lives of young Nigerians who, out of desperation, sell their organs for a pittance without understanding the health implications.
Abbas stated this on Wednesday at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Healthcare Services on seven health-related bills at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka, he said the proposed laws would address gaps in the medical system, strengthen ethical standards, and ensure uniform regulation across healthcare practices in the country.
“There is no doubt that the passage of these bills will directly impact the healthcare sector of our economy and save the lives of innocent young people who in desperation sell their organs for pittance, without the benefit of medical advice on the future implications of their actions on their health,” Abbas said.
The Speaker, who commended the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, and members for their diligence, said the bills were part of efforts to build a more accountable and ethically compliant healthcare system in line with the 10th House’s Legislative Agenda.
The bills under consideration include one seeking to establish a regulatory body for organ harvesting, transplantation, and donations; another to create the Nigeria Surrogacy Regulatory Commission for the monitoring and supervision of surrogacy arrangements; and a bill to amend the National Health Act of 2014 to provide for a National Quality Accreditation Commission and a Federal Tertiary Health Institutions Commission.
Others are a bill to establish the Chartered Institute of Medical Dialysis Studies; a bill to amend the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency Act to improve efficiency; a bill to provide for the retirement age of health workers; and another to amend the National Health Act to prohibit and penalise organ trafficking.
Abbas described the proposed laws as critical to improving professionalism, curbing unethical medical practices, and standardising procedures across Nigeria’s health institutions.
“In sum, we are here today to formalise those unregulated or loosely governed areas of medical practice in Nigeria that continue to mitigate against our wellbeing,” he said.
The Speaker said the House was determined to close gaps in medical regulation, especially in sensitive areas like organ transplantation and surrogacy, which have so far operated with limited oversight.
“It is important to establish ethical frameworks for organ donation and transplantation,” he said. “It is important to provide legal clarity for surrogacy arrangements, especially as it pertains to the commercial aspect of this sensitive venture.”
He also noted that the proposed laws would build capacity in dialysis services, enhance primary healthcare delivery, and address the country’s health workforce crisis, worsened by the emigration of professionals abroad.
Abbas said the new laws would help Nigeria reduce its dependence on foreign medical care and plug the estimated $2 billion spent annually on medical tourism.
“Money that could easily be saved or ploughed into the economy if we can develop a more resilient, more responsive health sector,” he said.
He explained that standardising healthcare practices and tightening regulations would not only reduce illegal activities such as organ trafficking but also save lives and boost productivity.
“By filling existing weaknesses in the sector, from lax regulations to poor standardization and eroding professionalism, these bills have the potential to reduce crime, save lives, and improve productivity while also strengthening the economy,” the Speaker said.
Abbas emphasised that the public hearing demonstrated the House’s commitment to participatory democracy and inclusive lawmaking, urging stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the process.
“It is my expectation that you will give these discussions your best attention by deliberating freely and patriotically to enable us create the necessary framework that will promote best practices in healthcare delivery systems of our dear country,” he said.
He maintained that the reforms would ensure better oversight, protect public health, and align the country’s healthcare system with global standards.
“Collectively, these bills signal a major push for a more structured, more accountable and ethically compliant healthcare system in Nigeria,” he said. “They will effectively close the existing gaps in the administration of healthcare, and combat illegal practices that have been enabled by weak regulatory frameworks.”
Abbas added that strengthening the sector would not only save lives but also contribute to economic growth, noting that “a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.”
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to transparent, inclusive, and people-centered lawmaking aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensuring equitable access to quality services.
Magaji stated this on Wednesday at a public hearing organised by the committee on seven health-related bills at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
He described the hearing as a vital democratic process through which citizens and stakeholders can actively shape legislation that affects the nation’s wellbeing.
“Public hearings such as this are not mere formalities; they are the lifeblood of democratic engagement,” he said. “They allow us to listen, learn, and legislate with clarity and compassion.”
The lawmaker, who represents Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, said the committee is determined to ensure that every citizen has access to quality, affordable, and equitable health services.
He added that the committee’s work goes beyond lawmaking—it is about building trust, fostering participation, and producing policies that reflect the realities and aspirations of Nigerians.
“This event marks a significant step toward our collective effort of strengthening the healthcare system and ensuring that every citizen has access to quality, affordable, and equitable health services,” Magaji said.
The Committee Chairman urged participants at the hearing, including health professionals, civil society groups, community leaders, and other stakeholders, to share their insights freely and challenge lawmakers to improve the proposed legislation.
“I urge all participants, health professionals, civil society representatives, community leaders, and concerned citizens, to speak freely, share your insights, and challenge us to do better,” he said. “Your contributions today will help us craft legislations that are not only technically sound but also socially responsive.”
Magaji emphasised that collaboration and open dialogue are essential to creating effective, sustainable healthcare laws that address the sector’s challenges and support Nigeria’s march toward universal health coverage.
Expressing appreciation to all participants, Magaji said the committee would continue to uphold openness and accountability in its work.
“On behalf of the committee, I thank you for your presence, your passion, and your partnership,” he said. “Together, let us build a healthcare system that reflects the dignity, resilience, and aspirations of our people and ultimately achieve the goal of universal health coverage.”
Magaji reaffirmed that the outcome of the hearing would guide the committee in refining the bills to meet both national and global standards in healthcare governance.
“This committee remains committed to transparency and inclusive policymaking,” he added. “Your voices are indispensable as we review all seven proposed bills today.”
He pledged that the House would continue to champion reforms that make Nigeria’s healthcare system more efficient, ethical, and accessible to all citizens.
END
General News
PERSPECTIVE: Tiv Leaders Must Hear This: While Akwa Ibom Asked For A Future, Tiv Leaders Fight Over A Man
By Edward Tion
I watched the presidential campaign in Akwa Ibom today with a bleeding heart.
Not because I envy Akwa Ibomites. I admire them so very much. I watched a people who understand what politics is for.
Akwa Ibom people came out unanimously. Governor, Senate President, elders, youths, market women, traditional rulers — one voice, one demand: “Give us Ibom Deep Sea Port.”
And the President heard them. On the spot, in Uyo, he approved it. Approved international status for their airport. Because they asked as one people.
That is what unity buys. That is what leadership looks like. That is what politics is supposed to deliver: a port that will open jobs, trade, industries, and a future for millions of unborn children.
Then I looked back home to my own people, the Tiv, and my heart broke.
What do we have to show for all our noise, all our education, all our numbers, all our pride?
Retrogression. Division. Character assassination.
Our educated youths, the very ones who should be building the future, are divided and deployed as foot soldiers in a war over one person’s interest. Not over a project. Not over a port. Not over security. Not over industries. Not over schools. Over one man.
We have reduced the great Tiv nation, a nation of farmers, scholars, warriors, and builders, to a battlefield of who hates who, who insults who, who controls the party structure, who gets the ticket.
What a shame!
Akwa Ibom asked for a Deep Sea Port. What are we asking for?
We are not asking for the revival of our industries. We are not asking for the return of our displaced people. We are not asking for roads that connect our farms to markets. We are not asking for water, for security, for the dualization of federal roads in the state, for anything that will outlive this election cycle.
We are asking: who is loyal to who?
This is not politics. This is psycophancy self-destruction.
Akwa Ibom has taught us a lesson today. Politics is negotiation. Unity is bargaining power. When you speak as one people, even a president listens.
Tiv people, when shall we learn?
When will our leaders sit down, drop their egos, and agree on one single demand for Benue? One project that will change our story for the next 50 years?
When will our youths refuse to be used for character assassinations and instead demand for development, vision, and results?
We cannot continue to fight ourselves while others are building for the future generations.
It is time for Tiv leadership to wake up. It is time for Tiv youths to wake up.
History will not remember who insulted who on Facebook or X. History will remember who built something.
Let us stop fighting over one person, and start fighting for one future.
Tiv Nation Deserves Better. Benue Deserves Better. Nigeria Deserves Better.
General News
Pursue Unity, Peace, Play Active Role in Nigerian Politics, Deputy Speaker, Kalu Urges Igbo Elites, Leaders
By Saint Mugaga
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has called on Igbo elders, leaders and stakeholders to close ranks and speak with one voice in politics, cautioning that disunity has continued to weaken the political strength and heritage of Ndi Igbo of the South East region.
He also urged them to pay more than passive attention to socio-economic issues and get deeply involved into the national politics of Nigeria.
Kalu made the call at the South East Stakeholders’ Convergence (SESC), also described as the South East Elders and Stakeholders Meeting, convened in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Friday to discuss unity, progress and peace in Igbo land.
Addressing the gathering chaired by the former Military Governor of Imo State and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator (Gen) Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd), the Deputy Speaker said unity remains the foundation for development, stressing that peace in Igbo communities would only come when leaders reason together in harmony.
He said: “Unity is strength. We will achieve more when we are united. The need for unity cannot be overemphasized. Peace leads to the development of communities”.
Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State at the National Assembly commended the elders for setting aside their personal engagements to attend the meeting, describing their action as patriotism and genuine love for Igbo land.
“I salute you all, my elders and stakeholders for this thoughtfulness, this great idea to come together and discuss the unity, progress and peace of Igbo land. This is patriotism. You all have what you are doing but for you to leave it and come here to discuss the development of our place, it means you love Igbo land. It shall be well with you all,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker said the upcoming and the contemporary younger generation are encouraged by the elders’ example, likening leadership to a relay race in which one generation hands the baton to the next.
“Some of us who are coming up are encouraged by this unity and patriotism you display. We are glad to see our elders sit together to discuss the future of Igbo land. This is like a relay race, where you run and later hand over the baton to the next person and the next generation. We are coming behind you so that whenever you hand us the baton, we collect it from you and continue with the race of progress and development,” he said.
Kalu however said that without unity, Ndi Igbo risk losing their direction and heritage.
“But if we are not in unity, we will miss our bearing and lose our heritage. But when we reason together in unity and harmony, we achieve greatness,” he said.
Speaking about Nigeria’s political structure, the Deputy Speaker noted that Igbo as one of the major tribes in Nigeria is not standing strong in the national politics.
He further argued that the political numbers of Ndi Igbo are not fully reflected across the five South East states because the people are scattered across the country.
To encourage active political participation, the Deputy Speaker urged a change of mindset, saying the post-war decision by many Igbo people to focus only on personal development and stay away from national politics had not served the region well.
“And it will not be good we shake and be left out in the scheme of things. Please, let’s come together. Let’s unite. When we unite, we gain more respect as a people. But when we work in isolation and silos, we lose our heritage.
“The number of votes of Ndi Igbo is not what we are getting across the five states because we are scattered around the country. If we take a position now and say, Igbo this is our agenda, this is what we want to do, I can assure you, the whole of Nigeria will feel our impact.
“But if we work in silos, every man to himself, to your tent O Israel, it is not encouraging at all. It yields no positive result. It reduces our number.
“After the war, we had believed we will work it out on our own and develop our place. We say we are not interested in politics. It is not our business. We have tried to develop on our own. It is about time we changed that mindset. The politics and governance of Nigeria should be our concern. We should get involved and play an active role because if we are not in the room, we can’t be part of the decision. We need to be part of the decision making process,” he said.
Kalu therefore called for a common position to help Ndi Igbo to deliver with one mind.
“There is no wisdom in saying we are not interested in the politics of Nigeria. It should be our business. Let us say one thing and stick to it with one mind, then, we will see the result of our togetherness. God bless you,” he said.
The stakeholders meeting held in Imo State Government House attracted the presence of Governor Hope Uzodinma as the chief host, some traditional rulers, representatives of religous leaders, women and youth groups from the five eastern States, other prominent Igbo sons and daughters in politics and governance, business, academia amongst whom are former Senate President/Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; immediate past Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO); Prof. Nnenna Oti; former chairman, Police Service Commission, Chief Simeon Okeke; former President-General, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu; Chief Tony Chukwu; Amb. Greg Mbadiwe; Prof. Osita Ogbu; Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa and Amb. Okey Emuche.
General News
2027: Amupitan Seeks Royal Support, Partnership to Discharge Mandate Peacefully, Effectively
By Isa Abdul
The National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has said there is no way a successful election can be conducted without the support of traditional institutions, especially in an era bedeviled by voter apathy and thuggery.
Professor Amupitan disclosed this in Lokoja on Thursday while addressing members of the Kogi State Council of Chiefs as part of his activities to assess preparations for the 2027 elections in the North-Central geopolitical zone.
He promised that the commission would strive to organise and supervise a visible, verifiable, credible, free, and fair election in line with its mandate under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Amupitan added that the commission has embarked on an assessment tour to evaluate logistics, infrastructure, and personnel across the six geopolitical zones.
to reduce administrative bottlenecks.
The working visit to Lokoja in the North-Central zone, which comprises Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has marked the end of the evaluation tour.
He also urged the youth not to be used as instruments of violence during the election:
“I send an unequivocal message to our youth that no political aspiration is worth shedding human blood.”
The INEC chairman, further called on the royal fathers to assist in mobilising the electorate to collect their PVCs, prevail on the youth to shun thuggery and any form of violence, and support efforts to reduce misinformation and disinformation before, during, and after the election.
“The general elections will hold as scheduled in 2027. I have come to seek your support and partnership for us to discharge our mandate peacefully and effectively. INEC has no candidate; the commission is out to discharge its constitutional mandate fully,” Professor Amupitan told the traditional chiefs.
He said the commission under his watch had successfully conducted elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, including 16 by-elections within a year, stressing his resolve to re-enact that feat in the upcoming general election.
At the event, the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Shehu Wahab, said the gathering of traditional rulers and INEC was to foster a unity of purpose that would ensure a peaceful election in 2027.
He added that an interface with custodians of culture and tradition at this crucial period in the electioneering process is essential for a free and fair election.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM Tijani Mohammed Anaje, while speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, commended the INEC boss for his efforts to ensure a credible, free, and fair election in 2027.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, who is the Vice Chairman of the Kogi State Council of Chiefs, expressed their readiness to support Professor Amupitan in all aspects of the electoral process for a peaceful election.
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