The Nigeria Governors Forum requested to suspend the infectious disease bill .
The Bill sponsored by the speaker of the house of representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
A 3 member committee constituted to engage the leadership of the national assembly on the bill.
The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) requested the national assembly to suspend the infectious disease bill which has triggered mixed reactions in the previous few days.
The Bill sponsored by the speaker of the house of representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. Seeks to repeal the Quarantine Act, ensure compulsory vaccination of citizens towards infectious diseases.
In addition make possession of health card obligatory for international travellers leaving or arriving in Nigeria similar to yellow fever card.
In a press release issued by Chairman of the forum, Governor Kayode Fayemi after a virtual meeting with different Governors. The national assembly requested to step down on the bill pending an appropriate public hearing to collect public opinion and concerns.
A three-member committee 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 Forum resolved Bill needs stepped down till an appropriate consultative process is held. Ttogether with a public hearing to assemble public opinion and concerns.“
Within the light of this, the Forum established a Committee comprising the Governors of Katsina, Sokoto, and Plateau. To guide a consultative meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly on the proposed Control of Infectious Diseases Bill, 2020.
“The NGF Secretariat mandated to comprehensively review the Bill and its implication on States.”
