Senate passes bill to establish Microbiology Council of Nigeria

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has sponsored a bill seeking to establish the Microbiology Council of Nigeria to regulate the practice of microbiology and improve professional standards in the country.

The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Microbiology Council of Nigeria,” scaled second reading on Tuesday during plenary in the Senate and was referred to the relevant committee for further legislative work.

Leading debate on the bill, Barau said the proposed council would help regulate microbiology practice and address long-standing gaps in the profession.

“The bill seeks to regulate and control the profession of microbiology to enhance the professional conduct of microbiologists,” he said.

He explained that establishing the council would improve competence among practitioners and strengthen the contribution of microbiology to public health, food safety, and environmental protection.

According to him, the absence of a regulatory body has affected the structure and development of the profession over the years.

Barau also noted that the proposed council would serve as a professional regulatory body responsible for setting standards, monitoring practice, and promoting the growth of microbiology in Nigeria.

He added that the council would be self-financing and would not rely on government funding.

Lawmakers who spoke on the bill supported its passage, describing it as timely and important for strengthening scientific and professional development in the country.

After deliberations, the Senate approved the bill for second reading, allowing it to proceed to the committee stage for further scrutiny.