The Cross River State Government, through the Ministries of Health and Justice, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), has convened a legal drafting workshop to advance the development of the Cross River State Public Health Security and Animal Health Bills.
This is part of efforts to strengthen the state’s legislative framework for preventing, detecting, and responding to public health threats, including zoonotic diseases.
The drafting process builds on lessons from Nigeria’s broader health security law reform agenda, which seeks to align legal instruments with international best practices, ensure clear roles and responsibilities for public health actors, and integrate gender-responsive and inclusive provisions into health governance.
Speaking on the significance of strengthening health security across states, the Director of Subnational Support at NCDC, Pharmacist Chibuzo Eneh, said, “One of the core recommendations in the Joint External Evaluation conducted in Nigeria is the need to ensure that at the subnational level, we have public health security laws that align with the International Health Regulations (2005). Many state laws are moribund and outdated, according to the assessment conducted by the NCDC, hence the need for a review.”
“A strong legal framework with clearly defined roles is essential for building a resilient and coordinated system capable of protecting citizens during health emergencies. These Bills will enhance our capacity and ensure that no sector is left behind in the fight against public health threats,” said Barr. Anthony Effiom, Solicitor General, Cross River State Ministry of Justice.
The NCDC and RTSL have provided technical support to ensure that the draft Bills reflect evidence-based legal standards, clearly delineate roles and responsibilities, and strengthen intersectoral collaboration between the public health, veterinary, and environmental sectors.
According to the Senior Legal and Policy Advisor, RTSL, Barr. Emem Udoh, “Robust public health laws are essential to saving lives. These Bills will equip Cross River State to act swiftly, coordinate effectively, and protect its most vulnerable during public health emergencies, while safeguarding economic and social stability. RTSL is committed to ensuring these laws are not only well-written, but also actionable, enforceable, and effective.”
