The senate yesterday approved amendments to key national laws on pension administration, healthcare governance, and teaching hospitals.
It also confirmed a nominee for the Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund.
The decisions followed the consideration and adoption of reports presented by relevant committees during plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Red Chamber confirmed Obehi Aire Okafor as Co-Chairman of the Governing Council of the Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund after adopting the report of the Committee on Finance.
The committee’s chairman, Mohammed Sani Musa (Niger East), who presented the report, urged the Senate to approve the nominee
“The committee carefully screened the nominee and found her suitable for the position,” he said.
The Senate endorsed the recommendation, clearing Okafor to serve in the strategic body responsible for overseeing dormant financial assets.
In a separate development, the Senate passed the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, following the consideration of a report by the Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters.
Presenting the report, Senator Cyril Oluwole Fasuyi said the amendments were designed to strengthen governance and improve efficiency in the administration of pensions within the National Assembly.
Lawmakers unanimously adopted the recommendations.
Also, the Senate approved the National Health Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, after considering the report of the Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary).
Presenting the report, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo said the proposed amendments would enhance coordination and service delivery in the country’s secondary and tertiary healthcare
“The Bill seeks to improve the structure and effectiveness of healthcare delivery at critical levels,” she said.
Also, the Senate adopted a joint report of the Committees on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and Tertiary Institutions and TETFund on the University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards, etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The report, also presented by Banigo, aims to restructure the governance of federal university teaching hospitals through board reconstitution, strengthened oversight and improved institutional performance.
