Important Bills Before the Nigerian Legislature in 2025



Nigeria’s National Assembly—comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives—remains busy in 2025 with a number of important bills that have the potential to reshape the economy, governance, and daily lives of citizens. From tax reforms to electoral amendments, healthcare institutions, and infrastructure funding, lawmakers are reviewing and passing measures that Nigerians should be aware of.

In this article, we break down some of the major bills and legislative actions currently before the Senate and House, and what they could mean for the country.

1. Tax Reform Bills

One of the biggest developments in 2025 is the passage of four major tax reform bills by the Senate:

  • Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025
  • Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025
  • Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2025
  • Nigeria Tax Bill, 2025

These bills aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax system, harmonize revenue collection across federal, state, and local governments, and ultimately boost national revenue. The bills still need harmonization with the House of Representatives before being forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

2. External Borrowing Plan

The Senate recently approved an external borrowing package of over $21 billion. This plan includes loans in different currencies and a domestic fundraising drive. The funds will be channeled into critical sectors such as:

  • Infrastructure
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Security
  • Housing
  • Rail transport (including a $3 billion railway project)

Supporters argue that this is necessary to bridge Nigeria’s infrastructure gap, while critics caution about rising debt levels.

3. Concurrence Bills from the House of Representatives

The Senate has passed several bills that originated in the House, including:

  • Chartered Institute of Auctioneers of Nigeria Bill, 2025
  • Broadcasting Practitioners Bill, 2025
  • Federal College of Health Technology, Benisheikh, Borno State (Establishment) Bill, 2025

These bills aim to strengthen professional regulation and expand Nigeria’s educational and health institutions.

In addition, a bill to establish the Federal Polytechnic of Skills and Vocational Studies in Ebonyi State has scaled second reading and is under committee review.

4. Nigeria Data Protection Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025

This bill is particularly relevant in today’s digital age. It seeks to compel global social media companies such as Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) to set up physical offices in Nigeria. The goal is to improve data protection, ensure compliance with local laws, and give Nigerians more security over their personal information online.

5. Regulation of Articulated Vehicles

The Articulated Vehicle Regulation Bill, 2025 is designed to improve road safety by tightening the inspection and operation of tankers and articulated vehicles, which are often involved in fatal accidents.

6. Other Bills Under Review

Several other bills are at the second reading stage, including:

  • National Sports Development Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2025
  • Nigerian Police University of Science and Technology, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill, 2025
  • Federal Character Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025
  • Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ondo State (Establishment) Bill, 2025
  • Warehouse Receipt Bill, 2025

These bills highlight the National Assembly’s focus on expanding education, health, and institutional frameworks.

7. New Bills Introduced in May 2025

The Senate also introduced several new bills this year, including amendments to the Federal Medical Centres Act, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act, and proposals for establishing the National Institute of Irrigation, the Nigerian Maritime Trust Fund, and the Armed Forces Trust Fund.

8. Constitutional and Electoral Reforms

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the Senate has prioritized electoral and constitutional reforms. Key areas of focus include:

  • Strengthening voter confidence and election credibility
  • Reviewing judicial appointments, tenure, and welfare
  • Debating proposals for state police and simultaneous elections

The House of Representatives has already passed 39 constitutional amendment proposals, which will require Senate approval and ratification by state assemblies.

9. Food Security Bill

In late 2024, the Senate passed a bill to criminalize the export of unprocessed corn. This law is meant to protect Nigeria’s food security and ensure local availability of maize, a staple crop.

Why This Matters

These bills represent critical efforts to reshape Nigeria’s future. Whether in taxation, infrastructure, digital security, or electoral integrity, the National Assembly is dealing with issues that directly affect citizens. Staying informed helps Nigerians understand how these decisions impact their lives and gives them the knowledge to hold leaders accountable.

Final Thoughts

From economic reforms to institutional development and electoral amendments, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for Nigeria’s legislative agenda. Citizens, businesses, and civil society organizations should keep a close eye on these bills as they progress.


#Nigeria #NationalAssembly #Senate #HouseOfReps #TaxReform #DataProtection #ElectoralReform #NigeriaPolitics #Legislation #Governance #Nigeria2025


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