The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has asked the National Assembly to halt the Infectious Disease Bill which has led to mixed reactions from citizens.
The bill is being sponsored by Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and seeks to repeal the Quarantine Act, ensure compulsory vaccination of Nigerians against infectious diseases and also make possession of health card mandatory for those traveling outside the country or arriving in Nigeria.
After a virtual meeting with other governors, the Chairman of the NGF, Governor Kayode Fayemi, issued a statement to the National Assembly, asking it to step down on the bill pending an appropriate public hearing to gather public opinion and concerns.
The statement reads:
Following an update from the Governor of Sokoto State and Vice Chairman of the NGF, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on the proposed Control of Infectious Diseases Bill, 2020 introduced by the House of Representatives, Governors raised concern with the lack of consultation with State governments who are at the forefront of the epidemic.
The Forum resolved that the Bill should be stepped down until an appropriate consultative process is held, including a public hearing to gather public opinion and concerns.
In the light of this, the Forum established a Committee comprising the Governors of Katsina, Sokoto, and Plateau to lead a consultative meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly on the proposed Control of Infectious Diseases Bill, 2020.
The NGF Secretariat was also mandated to comprehensively review the Bill and its implication on States.”
