On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a bill for the first time that would stop public and civil servants—and their close family members—from using private schools and hospitals in Nigeria.
The bill was introduced by Amobi Godwin Ogah, a lawmaker from Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State.
After the bill was presented, Ogah told reporters that the bill—called the “Private Institutions and Health Care Service Providers (Prohibition) Bill, 2025”—marks an important step for the country. He said it’s meant to rebuild trust in public services and prevent government workers from having divided loyalties when delivering services.
Ogah explained that the bill is meant to stop public workers and their families from using private schools and health services. He said this would help avoid conflicts of interest, build public trust, and improve the quality and honesty of public institutions.
He reminded people that Nigeria’s early leaders—like Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Alhaji Tafawa Balewa—were all educated in public or mission-run schools.
Ogah criticized today’s public officials for depending too much on private and foreign services, while government-run institutions continue to suffer.
He said that unlike the past, today’s government workers often prefer private schools and hospitals for themselves and their families, which is hurting the country.
Ogah mentioned that although Nigeria set aside ₦1.336 trillion for healthcare in the 2024 budget, Nigerians still spend over \$1 billion every year going abroad for medical care.
He also said that during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerians spent at least \$29.29 billion on medical treatment in other countries over eight years.
In addition, Nigerians spent \$38.17 million on foreign education in just the first three months of 2024, and \$218.87 million throughout 2023.
Ogah said that just as Nigeria has started removing fuel subsidies, the country should also stop public workers from using private schools and hospitals.
He argued that public services are in bad shape today because wealthy and powerful people ignore them and choose private options instead. As a result, public institutions are falling apart and losing quality.
Ogah said it’s embarrassing that Nigerian presidents and top officials often go abroad for medical treatment—and some even die there.
He said the purpose of this bill is to stop what he called “medical and educational tourism” among government workers. He believes supporting local schools and hospitals will build national pride and make those institutions better.
Finally, Ogah called on all Nigerians and the media to support this bill. He encouraged people to start promoting public schools and hospitals using the hashtag:#PromoteOurSchoolsAndHealthcareServices and support the Private Institutions and Healthcare Services Providers Prohibition Bill 2025.
