Kogi Assembly Passes Bills On Maternal Healthcare, Sanitation

Kogi State House of Assembly has passed for second reading two key private member bills aimed at improving healthcare delivery and environmental sanitation across the state.

The bills, sponsored by the member representing Omala State Constituency, Hon. Umar Yahaya, popularly known as “Connect,” seek to provide free maternal and neonatal healthcare services in state-owned health facilities and establish a legal framework for combating public littering and environmental degradation.

At the plenary, Hon. Yahaya said the maternal healthcare bill would complement the Kogi State government’s investment in healthcare infrastructure, particularly the construction and commissioning of about 90 primary healthcare centres across the state.

He described the government’s healthcare interventions as unprecedented and noted that the proposed legislation aligns with the vision of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration to improve access to quality healthcare for citizens.

According to him, the bill will encourage greater utilization of healthcare facilities by removing financial barriers that often prevent pregnant women from accessing essential medical services.

The bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Provide for Free Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare Services for Pregnant Women and Newborn Children in State-Owned Health Facilities in Kogi State and Other Matters Connected Therewith, 2025,” was first read on October 14, 2025, and contains seven parts and 31 clauses.

Leading debate on the proposed legislation, Yahaya explained that it seeks to guarantee free antenatal care, skilled delivery services, including caesarean sections, obstetric and neonatal care, immunisation, diagnostic services, essential medications, and comprehensive newborn care in all state-owned health facilities.

He noted that Nigeria accounts for approximately 14 per cent of global maternal deaths and expressed concern that many maternal and neonatal deaths in Kogi State are linked to the inability of expectant mothers to afford medical treatment.

The lawmaker recalled reported cases where pregnant women lost their lives after being denied access to healthcare services because they could not make upfront payments.

While commending ongoing government interventions such as the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative and the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week programme, Yahaya stressed the need for a legal framework to guarantee sustainability and accountability.

“This bill provides that framework. It ensures that access to life-saving maternal and neonatal healthcare is not a privilege but a guaranteed right for every pregnant woman and newborn child in our state,” he said.

He expressed optimism that existing partnerships with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other healthcare stakeholders would support effective implementation of the proposed law.

Lawmakers, including Speaker Aliyu Umar Yusuf and Deputy Speaker Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, commended the initiative, describing it as a landmark intervention capable of significantly reducing maternal and neonatal mortality across the state.

Following deliberations, the Assembly passed the bill for second reading and referred it to the relevant House committees for further legislative consideration.

The Assembly also passed for second reading “A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Prevention and Control of Public Littering, the Defacement of Public and Private Places and for Other Related Matters, 2025.”

The proposed legislation, which was also first read on October 14, 2025, consists of seven parts and 22 sections.

Presenting the bill, Yahaya lamented the increasing incidence of indiscriminate waste disposal, blocked drainage systems, and vandalism of public infrastructure, noting that such practices contribute to flooding and the spread of diseases.

According to him, the bill prohibits littering except in designated waste bins, bans the dumping of refuse in gutters and waterways, and places responsibility on individuals, businesses, and property occupiers to maintain clean surroundings.

He added that the legislation would empower Environmental Enforcement Officers, prescribe sanctions for offenders, and provide community service as an alternative punishment where appropriate.

The bill also seeks to compel the state government and local councils to provide adequate waste disposal facilities, establish recycling centres, and sustain environmental awareness campaigns.

Contributing to the debate, Speaker Yusuf, Deputy Speaker Egwaba, and other members described the bill as timely and necessary for promoting public health and environmental responsibility.

“Cleanliness is next to godliness. This law will help ensure that our communities remain clean, healthy and free from disease-causing conditions,” the speaker said.

The bill was subsequently referred to the House Committees on Environment and Judiciary for further scrutiny.

During the plenary session, Speaker Yusuf also welcomed students of the Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, who were at the Assembly on an educational excursion to observe legislative proceedings.