Senate passes pension, health Bills, confirms co-chair of Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund nominee
The Senate on Thursday approved amendments to key national laws on pension administration, healthcare governance, and teaching hospitals, while also confirming a nominee for the Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund. The
The Senate on Thursday approved amendments to key national laws on pension administration, healthcare governance, and teaching hospitals, while also confirming 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 upper 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.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (Niger East), who presented the report, urged the Senate to approve the nomination.
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“The committee carefully screened the nominee and found her suitable for the position,” he said.
The Senate subsequently endorsed the recommendation, clearing Okafor to serve in the strategic body responsible for overseeing dormant financial assets.
In a separate development, the chamber 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.
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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.
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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 Banigo Ipalibo Harry said the proposed amendments would enhance coordination and service delivery in the country’s secondary and tertiary healthcare systems.
“The bill seeks to improve the structure and effectiveness of healthcare delivery at critical levels,” she said.
In the same vein, the Senate adopted a joint report of the Committees on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), 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.
Thursday’s plenary was marked by swift deliberations, with lawmakers unanimously concurring with committee recommendations.
The approvals form part of ongoing efforts by the Senate to reposition key national institutions for greater efficiency, accountability, and improved service delivery across critical sectors.
The session also highlighted the chamber’s resolve to fast-track legislative action on executive and committee bills in line with broader governance reform objectives of the current National Assembly.
