The Senate has passed the National Agency for Malaria Elimination Bill, a development Senator Ned Nwoko described as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s efforts to eradicate malaria and improve public health outcomes.
Nwoko, who represents Delta North and sponsored the bill, said the legislation marks a significant milestone in the country’s fight against one of its deadliest and most persistent diseases. According to him, Nigeria now has the opportunity to shift from merely controlling malaria to completely eliminating it.
Speaking after the bill passed its third reading, the lawmaker expressed confidence that malaria elimination is achievable, citing several countries that have successfully overcome the disease. He stressed that with strong leadership, effective coordination, and sustained commitment, Nigeria and the rest of Africa can achieve similar results.
The bill, titled A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Agency for Malaria Elimination and for Related Matters, 2025 (SB.172), seeks to establish a specialised agency that will coordinate a nationwide, data-driven approach to malaria prevention, control and elimination. Following its second reading in May 2025, the proposal was reviewed by the Senate Committee on Health before receiving final approval.
Nwoko explained that the proposed agency would provide the structure needed to coordinate research, disease surveillance, environmental management, public awareness campaigns and other malaria elimination initiatives across the country. He noted that the Senate’s approval reflects years of advocacy and dedication to tackling malaria in Africa.
The senator recalled his longstanding efforts to draw international attention to the disease, including a symbolic trip to Antarctica nearly two decades ago. He said he had previously championed similar legislation as a private citizen but revived the initiative after being elected to the Senate.
He lamented that malaria continues to claim thousands of lives annually, especially among children and vulnerable populations, despite being preventable and treatable. Nwoko argued that Nigerians must stop accepting the disease as a normal part of life and instead focus on its elimination.
The bill received strong backing during consultations organised by the Senate Committee on Health. The committee sought public input through newspaper and electronic media advertisements before holding a public hearing attended by health professionals, government agencies, civil society groups and development partners.
Among those who participated were representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Justice, NAFDAC, the Nigeria Medical Association, the Joint Health Sector Union, the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, the Nigeria End Malaria Council and other public health organisations.
Stakeholders overwhelmingly supported the proposal, emphasizing the need for a dedicated institution focused solely on malaria elimination. Lawmakers also adopted the term “elimination” rather than “eradication” to align with globally accepted public health terminology.
Addressing concerns about overlap with the existing National Malaria Elimination Programme, the committee stated that the new agency would serve as the central coordinating body for malaria-related interventions nationwide. It also noted that current efforts are largely focused on treatment, with less attention given to prevention and long-term elimination strategies.
Under the proposed legislation, the agency would establish offices across the country and implement a national strategy that coordinates malaria interventions at federal, state and local government levels.
Nwoko further advocated greater investment in environmental sanitation, waste disposal, fumigation, research and innovation to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. He stressed that resources committed to saving lives are always worthwhile and called for urgent action to reduce malaria-related deaths.
He added that the agency would work closely with states, local governments and communities to ensure malaria elimination programmes reach grassroots populations.
With Senate approval secured, the bill will now be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.
If signed into law, the National Agency for Malaria Elimination is expected to become one of Nigeria’s most ambitious public health institutions and could strengthen the country’s leadership role in Africa’s campaign against malaria.
“This is a battle we can win. Nigeria can eliminate malaria if we remain committed to the goal,” Nwoko said.
