Criminal Code Amendment : Senate Halts Bill Over Abortion Clause

The Nigerian Senate has suspended further consideration of the Criminal Code Amendment Bill, 2025, following an intense debate over a clause related to abortion

The Bill which was presented by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele for concurrence, seeks to modernize Nigeria’s century-old penal code, introducing stricter punishments for offenses such as child defilement, attempted suicide, abduction, and possession of human body parts.

The senate on Tuesday took time to amend the criminal code bill, thereby providing stiffer punishments for offenders, particular those found guilty of defilement of a minor irrespective of gender

The bill however faced strong opposition during debate on a section that increases penalties for supplying drugs or instruments intended for abortion.

Lawmakers raised concerns that the wording could criminalize doctors performing emergency procedures to save lives, calling for clearer distinction between illegal abortions and medically necessary interventions.

Meanwhile, the Senate passed two other bills for concurrence- the Federal Road Safety Commission (Amendment) Bill and the Dietitians Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill.