Delta Assembly Advances Public Health, Hygiene Bill ~ Truth Reporters

 

The Delta State House of Assembly on Thursday advanced the Public Health and Hygiene Bill, 2025, as it scaled second reading during plenary, marking a major step toward strengthening sanitation standards and public health regulations across the state.

The bill, which received overwhelming support from lawmakers during the session presided over by the Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor, seeks to repeal the outdated Public Health Law of 1957 and replace it with a modern legal framework designed to address current health and environmental realities.

Leading debate on the proposed legislation, the House Leader and sponsor of the bill, Emeka Nwaobi, explained that the measure aims to strengthen the prevention and control of communicable diseases while tackling sanitation challenges affecting communities across Delta State.

According to him, the existing law has become obsolete and no longer aligns with present-day public health concerns. He noted that the proposed legislation would provide a comprehensive framework to improve sanitation practices, regulate waste disposal, and protect residents from health risks.

Nwaobi further stated that the bill would introduce measures to regulate the proper disposal of human waste, prohibit the adulteration of food and agricultural produce, and discourage unhealthy practices such as open urination and defecation in public places.

Lawmakers who contributed to the debate described the bill as timely and necessary, emphasizing that improved hygiene standards are essential for safeguarding public health.

The Deputy Speaker, Arthur Akpowovwo, said the proposed legislation would significantly enhance environmental sanitation across the state.

He noted that the bill would help promote a cleaner and healthier environment for residents, stressing that public health issues are closely linked to sanitation and that the legislation would strengthen the state’s regulatory capacity in that regard.

Other lawmakers who spoke in support of the bill included Augustine Uroye, Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Oboro Preyor, Charles Emetulu and Ebitonmo Alapala, who collectively stressed that the bill would contribute to creating a healthier and more sanitized environment for residents.

After deliberations, the Speaker referred the bill to the House Committee on Health for further legislative scrutiny and directed the committee to report back to the House on April 1, 2026.

Guwor emphasized the need for thorough legislative work, noting that any law passed by the Assembly must adequately protect the health of citizens while addressing modern sanitation and disease control challenges.

Meanwhile, the House also resolved into the Committee of the Whole to examine the Delta State Internal Revenue Service Consolidated Bill on a clause-by-clause basis. 

However, following a motion moved by the House Leader, the Speaker adjourned further consideration of the bill to the next legislative sitting.

Earlier during the plenary, the Speaker welcomed members of the Anambra State House of Assembly led by their Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze, who were in Asaba for a legislative retreat and observed proceedings at the Delta Assembly.

Guwor, who also serves as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, said inter-legislative engagements remain crucial for strengthening democratic institutions and promoting the exchange of best legislative practices across the country.

He expressed appreciation to the visiting lawmakers for choosing Asaba as the venue for their retreat.

The House later adjourned plenary until next week.