The Kogi House of Assembly on Tuesday passed two private member bills for second reading, aimed at improving environmental sanitation and providing free maternal and neonatal healthcare in the state.
Sponsored by Mr. Umar Yahaya of Omala Constituency, the bills were first read on October 14, 2025, and seek to address public health issues from waste disposal and high maternal and newborn mortality rates.
The first bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Prevention and Control of Public Littering, Defacement of Public and Private Places, and Other Related Matters, 2025,” aims to establish a legal framework to curb littering, environmental degradation, and vandalism.
Yahaya explained that widespread indiscriminate waste disposal, blocked drains, and damaged infrastructure contribute to flooding, health hazards, and disease spread.
The legislation would prohibit littering outside designated waste bins, ban dumping refuse into gutters and waterways, and hold individuals, businesses, and property owners accountable for maintaining cleanliness.
It also empowers environmental enforcement officers, introduces sanctions, and allows community service as an alternative to fines or imprisonment.
Yahaya added that the bill requires government and local authorities to provide waste bins, establish recycling centers, and promote public awareness campaigns on sanitation.
Supporters, including House Speaker Mr. Aliyu Yusuf and Deputy Speaker Mrs. Comfort Egwaba, described the bill as timely and essential, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of cleanliness and environmental health.
The speaker highlighted that the law would encourage residents to keep their surroundings clean, thereby reducing disease outbreaks linked to poor sanitation.
The Assembly also passed for second reading a 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, 2025.”
Sponsored by Yahaya, this bill aims to eliminate financial barriers to access antenatal care, skilled delivery—including caesarean sections—obstetric and neonatal services, immunization, diagnostics, essential drugs, and comprehensive newborn care.
Yahaya explained that the legislation seeks to address Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate, noting that many deaths occur because families cannot afford necessary treatment.
He emphasized that existing state programs, like the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative, need legal backing to ensure sustainability and accountability.
Lawmakers supporting the bill said its implementation would significantly reduce maternal and neonatal deaths and related health issues.
After extensive debate, the House referred both bills to relevant committees for further legislative work.
The House reaffirmed its commitment to enacting laws that promote public health, environmental sustainability, and residents’ welfare across Kogi State.
