A bill aimed at establishing the Nigeria Surrogacy Regulatory Commission has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. Sponsored by Rep. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala (APC-Oyo), the bill was discussed during plenary on Thursday.
The proposed legislation seeks to monitor and supervise surrogacy arrangements, along with providing guidelines for the registration and regulation of surrogacy practices. Surrogacy involves a woman carrying and delivering a child for a couple or individual who is unable or unwilling to undergo pregnancy under agreed terms.
In comments to the press following the session, Alao-Akala highlighted that the bill aims to protect the rights of all parties involved, including the child. He stated, “The bill seeks to eliminate all forms of discrimination and exploitation and will support and encourage struggling couples to have children.”
Alao-Akala emphasized that the law is designed to be a matter of choice rather than obligation. “This kind of law is not a law of force; it is a law of choice,” he explained. He acknowledged that the acceptance of the bill might vary due to cultural and religious beliefs, noting, “It is not a law that says everybody must have children through surrogacy; it is not a binding law.”
The bill’s passage marks a significant step toward formalizing surrogacy in Nigeria and providing a regulatory framework to support individuals and couples exploring this option for family building.
