On Tuesday, October 28th, the Senate passed four bills sponsored by Senate Leader Senator Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, aimed at enhancing various sectors in Nigeria.
Among the proposed legislation is the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 346). This bill seeks to amend the existing Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria Act of 2007 to align it with current global best practices in procurement.
Another major piece of legislation presented is the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2025 (HB. 1085). This bill aims to overhaul Nigeria’s wildlife protection laws by replacing the outdated 1985 Endangered Species Act. Its key provisions include:
- Stricter Penalties: Imposition of harsher penalties for wildlife-related crimes, including the illegal trafficking of endangered species such as pangolin scales and ivory.
- Enhanced Enforcement: Granting investigators increased authority to delve into financial transactions and conduct intelligence-led operations.
- Asset Recovery: Empowering judges to expedite cases related to wildlife crimes and facilitate the recovery of assets gained through such illegal activities.
- International Alignment: Promoting cooperation by ensuring alignment with global treaties, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
This bill is heralded as transformative, with the potential to significantly bolster Nigeria’s fight against organized wildlife trafficking.
Additionally, Senator Opeyemi introduced the Chartered Institute of Health Care Management of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 1260) and the Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 629), both aimed at establishing regulatory bodies to enhance their respective sectors.
These legislative initiatives reflect a proactive approach to addressing current challenges and aligning Nigeria with international standards across various domains.
