On July 21, 2026, the senate has officially commenced consideration of a historic bill designed to establish a comprehensive legal framework for emerging medical technologies, including artificial intelligence assisted diagnostics, in vitro diagnostic devices, biotechnology, and genetically modified products.
The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the outdated Food, Drug and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act and the Food and Drug Act, replacing them with a unified law to govern food, medical devices, and health-related products in alignment with global best practices.
Leading the debate on the bill’s general principles during plenary, Senator Suleiman Sadiq highlighted that Nigeria’s current regulatory laws were enacted decades ago and fail to address modern advancements in healthcare, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and global supply chains.
“The regulatory landscape has changed dramatically,” Sadiq stated. “The world now deals with biotechnology, advanced medical devices, in vitro diagnostic technologies, artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics, online pharmaceutical commerce, and sophisticated criminal networks engaged in the production and distribution of harmful products.”
Key Highlights of the Proposed Legislation
Expanded Regulatory Scope: Unifies statutory oversight under the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to cover processed animal feeds, active pharmaceutical ingredients, vaccines, tobacco, chemicals, packaged water, and advanced medical tech.
Clinical Trials & Lifecycle Safety: Introduces a comprehensive legal framework for clinical trials, human intervention studies, and continuous safety monitoring throughout a product’s lifecycle.
Enhanced Enforcement & Traceability: Authorizes statutory provisions for supply chain traceability, mandatory product recalls, and expanded NAFDAC powers regarding inspection, seizure, and enforcement while preserving due process.
Global Standard Alignment: Institutionalizes internationally recognized practices including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) to boost local manufacturing and improve the global competitiveness of Nigerian products.
The legislative reform aims to modernize Nigeria’s health sector, strengthen consumer protections, and position the nation alongside international regulatory standards.
Following a successful second reading, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health (Primary and Tertiary) for further legislative action and scrutiny.
