Nigeria may soon have a formal regulatory body for microbiologists as the Senate has commenced legislative work on a bill aimed at standardising and strengthening the profession nationwide.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, seeks to establish the Microbiology Council of Nigeria to oversee professional conduct, standards, and practice in the field.

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Microbiology Council of Nigeria,” the proposal passed second reading during plenary on Tuesday and has been referred to the relevant Senate committee for further consideration.

Leading debate on the bill, Barau said the council would fill long-standing regulatory gaps and improve accountability among practitioners.

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

He added that the proposed body would also strengthen professional competence and enhance the contribution of microbiology to public health, food safety, and environmental protection.

According to him, the absence of a dedicated regulatory framework has slowed coordination and development of microbiology practice in Nigeria over the years.

The council, he explained, would function as a professional regulatory institution responsible for setting standards, monitoring practice, and promoting growth within the field.

Barau further noted that the proposed body would be self-financing and would not depend on direct government funding.

Lawmakers who contributed to the debate backed the bill, describing it as timely and necessary for advancing scientific development and professional regulation in the country.

Following deliberations, the Senate approved the bill for second reading, paving the way for detailed scrutiny at the committee stage.