The Senate passed the National Agency for Malaria Elimination Bill during its plenary session yesterday. The legislation, which received third reading approval, seeks to establish a dedicated agency responsible for coordinating nationwide efforts to control and eliminate malaria. Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, chair of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), presented the report recommending the bill's passage. The committee stated that the agency would shift Nigeria's strategy from curative treatment to prevention and eventual elimination of malaria. It recommended the creation of zonal and state offices to ensure comprehensive coverage across the country. Operations of the agency would be guided by a legally backed strategic plan rooted in science and accountability. Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the bill as a landmark development in addressing malaria, which remains one of the most prevalent diseases in Nigeria. The bill had previously passed its second reading in May of the previous year. Senator Ned Nwoko, speaking after the session, said malaria elimination in Nigeria is achievable. He attributed this possibility to the proposed agency and emphasized the importance of effective waste management, fumigation, and continued research, including vaccine development. "Elimination of malaria in Nigeria is practicable and achievable," Nwoko said. "Eradicating or eliminating malaria is achievable in Nigeria through a special agency for that purpose," he added.
Senator Ned Nwoko claims malaria elimination is achievable through a new agency, yet offers no timeline or funding mechanism for its operation. The same Senate approved a health budget last year that failed to significantly increase allocations to disease control. Without new financial commitments, the agency risks becoming another layer of bureaucracy without impact. Nigerians continue to bear the cost of preventable diseases while legislative promises remain untested.
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