The Senate on Thursday stepped down consideration of the Chartered Institute of Training and Development of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2026, following concerns that the proposed body could duplicate the functions of existing institutions.
The bill seeks to establish a professional body for certified trainers and development practitioners in Nigeria.
However, lawmakers raised questions about its necessity and whether it would add value to the country’s current regulatory and professional framework.
Leading opposition to the proposal, Senator Abdul Ningi warned against approving the legislation solely because it originated from the House of Representatives.
Ningi said: “We can’t be emotional because it’s coming from a sister chamber and pass it.
“The bill doesn’t have the required merit to go through.”
Several senators also argued that the proposed institute could overlap with the responsibilities of existing training, management and professional development bodies.
During deliberations, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele recommended the creation of a sub-committee to review the bill and ensure compliance with Order 78 of the Senate Standing Rules before any further legislative action.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the call for deeper scrutiny, cautioning lawmakers against automatically approving bills transmitted from the House of Representatives.
Akpabio said: “Not everything that comes from the House must be passed.
“This bill is amorphous and can make us look somehow before the executive, who will ultimately assent to it.”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin also backed the decision to suspend consideration of the bill, saying its objectives required further clarification.
He said: “What we can do is to stand down the bill because we need an explanation.
“If you look at what this bill seeks to do, the Chartered Institute of Training and Development, it is quite vague.
“So, Senate Leader, please extend your diplomacy for us to get a better explanation.”
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, however, defended the legislation, insisting that its provisions and objectives were clear.
The bill is among several establishment proposals before the National Assembly seeking to create new professional bodies and institutions, a trend that has increasingly drawn scrutiny from lawmakers concerned about duplication of responsibilities and the proliferation of regulatory agencies.
Following the debate, Akpabio announced the constitution of a sub-committee chaired by Ningi to ensure bills transmitted from the House of Representatives undergo rigorous scrutiny before consideration by the Senate.
The Senate subsequently stepped down the bill pending further review and clarification by the committee.
