The Sokoto State House of Assembly has passed a bill mandating compulsory pre-marital medical screening.
The proposed law requires intending couples to undergo tests for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, sickle cell, genotype and other related health conditions before marriage.
This development followed the presentation of the House Committee on Health’s report by its Chairman, Kabiru Dauda (APC- Gada East), during the Assembly’s plenary on Wednesday in Sokoto.
The private member bill, introduced by Dauda, passed its second reading on April 16 and referred to the committee for further legislative procedures.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Chairman Dauda explained that the legislation aims to protect public health by ensuring that couples are aware of potential health issues before marriage.
He warned that anyone who incites or facilitates a breach of the law would face severe penalties, including imprisonment for no less than twelve months or a fine of at least ₦500,000 or both.
“Furthermore, health facilities or workers who knowingly issue or assist in issuing false test results will be liable to additional fines or imprisonment.
“In particular, a violating health facility may be fined a minimum of ₦3 million, while a health worker could face imprisonment for not less than three years or a fine of at least ₦1 million, or both, along with further disciplinary action by the appropriate regulatory body,” he said.
Several lawmakers expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting its significance for public well-being and the positive economic impact it could have on the state’s healthcare development.
Following a voice vote, the Speaker, Tukur Bala, announced that the bill had been unanimously adopted for a third reading and passed.
In a another development, the Assembly has urged the state government to reconstruct a 49 km road linking several villages in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The motion was sponsored by Habibu Modachi (PDP- Isa), co-sponsored by Sa’idu Ibrahim (APC- Sabon Birni South), and seconded by Atiku Liman (PDP- Silame).
Modachi stated that the reconstruction is in recognition of the government’s commitment to providing critical infrastructure.
He emphasised that well-maintained rural roads are essential for a healthy, secure and thriving rural community, especially amid current security challenges.
“The proposed link road will serve villages including Garin Malan, Kurawa, Tarah, Garin Zago, Dumkawa, Gatawa, Dan-Gari, Adamawa, Sardauna, Dan Maliki, Turba, Gawakuke, and Kaibaba in Isa and Sabon Birni LGAs.”
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