The Nigerian Senate has approved two significant pieces of legislation — the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill and the Dietitians Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill.
Both bills, which originated from the House of Representatives, were presented for concurrence by Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central. During Tuesday’s plenary session, Bamidele led the debate and moved the motion for their adoption, which was seconded by Senator Olalere Oyewumi of Osun West.
Following a debate on the general principles of the proposed laws, the bills were read a second time. The Senate then resolved into the Committee of the Whole to examine them clause by clause. After deliberations, both bills were read for the third time and subsequently passed.
However, the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Oke-Igbo, Ondo State (Establishment) Bill which was also listed for consideration was stepped down. The decision followed the federal government’s directive halting the creation of new higher institutions for the next seven years.
In the same session, the Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for more detailed review.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the passage of the bills, emphasizing their importance to national safety and health awareness. He expressed optimism that the FRSC amendment would strengthen road regulation and enhance safety standards across the country.
“I hope that the conditions of our roads will be regulated and lead to safety. I also encourage the FRSC to ensure that our roads are safe,” Akpabio stated.
Speaking on the Dietitians Council of Nigeria Bill, he highlighted its potential to improve public health education and promote better nutrition nationwide.
“For the Dietitians Council of Nigeria, this well-regulated bill will ensure that they assist the public, through the National Orientation Agency, on what they should eat and how to prevent diseases,” he said.
Akpabio also commended members of the House of Representatives for their diligence in reviewing and refining the bills before transmission to the Senate.
“I congratulate our colleagues in the House for their painstaking efforts and the thorough scrutiny these bills received. Congratulations to all,” he added.
