- Alao-Akala highlighted the bill’s significance in protecting the rights of surrogates
The House of Representatives has moved closer to establishing a regulatory framework for surrogacy in Nigeria with the second reading of a bill aimed at creating the Nigeria Surrogacy Regulatory Commission.
The bill, sponsored by Representative Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala (APC-Oyo), was debated during Thursday’s plenary session, where it received overwhelming support from lawmakers.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the proposed commission would oversee surrogacy arrangements across the country, ensuring proper monitoring, supervision, and registration of all parties involved.
Speaking to journalists after the session, Alao-Akala highlighted the bill’s significance in protecting the rights of surrogates, intended parents, and the children born through such arrangements. He emphasized that the legislation aims to prevent exploitation and provide a legal framework for couples struggling to conceive naturally.
“This is not a law of compulsion but one of choice,” he said. “It’s about providing an option for those who wish to have children through surrogacy. The bill is not binding; it doesn’t mandate everyone to have children through surrogacy.”
Alao-Akala acknowledged that the proposal might not receive universal acceptance due to cultural and religious differences, but stressed that it seeks to create a structured and safe environment for those who choose this route.
“It’s not about enforcing surrogacy on anyone,” he explained. “This legislation will only guide those who opt for it, ensuring that all parties are protected under the law.”
If passed, the bill will establish a commission to regulate and enforce surrogacy practices in Nigeria, marking a significant step forward in the legal recognition and management of assisted reproduction in the country.