COVID-19: Stop Infectious Diseases Bill – Nigerian Governors Tell Lawmakers

The proposed infectious disease bill which has attracted many reactions from several public opinion holders in Nigeria has taken a new turn of events with the latest rejection of the bill by the  Nigerian Governors.

Naija News learnt that the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF)  requested the national assembly to put an end to the bill during its weekly meetings. The position of the forum was contained in a statement issued by Chairman of the forum, Governor Kayode Fayemi after a virtual meeting with other Governors.

According to the statement, the national assembly was asked to step down on the bill pending an appropriate public hearing to gather public opinion and concerns.

A three-member committee was also constituted by the forum to engage the leadership of the national assembly on the bill.

“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 governors said.

“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.”