Overview

The National Blood Service Commission Act 2021 (Act No. 8) is a Nigerian federal law enacted by the National Assembly on 29th July 2021 and published in the Official Gazette on 30th July 2021. The Act establishes the National Blood Service Commission as a corporate body with perpetual succession, capable of suing and being sued, and empowered to acquire, hold, and dispose of property. Its primary objective is to coordinate, regulate, and ensure the provision of quality blood, blood products, and services in line with the National Health Plan. The Commission's headquarters is located in Abuja, with zonal offices in each of Nigeria's six geopolitical zones: South East (headquarters in Owerri), South South (Benin), South West (Ibadan), North East (Maiduguri), North West (Kaduna), and North Central (Jos). These zonal centers serve as linkage and reference centers for states and other blood transfusion services within their zones. The Act is structured into six parts. Part I covers the establishment of the National Blood Service Commission, including its objectives, the composition and functions of the Governing Board (which includes a Chairman and representatives from various ministries, professional bodies like the Medical and Dental Council, and the Nursing and Midwifery Council), tenure of office, allowances, and the Commission's functions. Key functions include coordinating blood transfusion services nationwide, advising the Minister of Health on blood-related matters, licensing and regulating blood establishments, setting technical standards, promoting voluntary non-remunerated blood donation, ensuring quality control and safety, and establishing a national blood donor database. Part II addresses management and staff, providing for a Director-General appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister, along with other staff members on terms determined by the Board. It also specifies that staff are entitled to pensions under the Pension Reform Act. Part III outlines the structure of the Commission, including its relationship with health establishments and the armed forces and paramilitary blood transfusion centers. Part IV deals with financial provisions, establishing a fund for the Commission sourced from federal government allocations, grants, fees, and other revenues. It requires annual estimates and audit of accounts. Part V lists offences and penalties, including unauthorized operation of blood centers, sale of blood, and tampering with the national blood supply chain. Part VI contains miscellaneous provisions, such as the Minister's power to issue directives, the Commission's power to obtain information and make regulations, legal proceedings, indemnity for officers, interpretation of terms, and the Act's citation. The Act repeals the National Blood Transfusion Service Act Cap. N46 LFN 2004 and any inconsistent laws. It marks a significant legal framework to centralize and standardize blood services in Nigeria, aiming to improve safety, availability, and coordination across the country.

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