… Bill Aims To Improve Government Schools And Hospitals

The House of Representatives passed the first reading of a bill to bar public officers from using private hospitals and schools, aiming to improve government facilities. The legislation, sponsored by a lawmaker from Oyo State, mandates that public officials, including ministers and governors, patronize state-run institutions to ensure better infrastructure and service delivery. The bill proposes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and suspension from office. The House directed its Committee on Health and Education to review the bill, with public hearings scheduled for August in Abuja and Lagos. The legislation responds to public complaints about the poor state of government hospitals and schools, with only 20% of public health facilities meeting national standards. The sponsor emphasized that forcing officials to use public services would drive investment in those sectors. The bill received support from PDP lawmakers, who argued it would address inequalities, while some APC members called for exemptions for emergencies. The Federal Government was urged to allocate funds to upgrade facilities in preparation for the law. State governments, including Rivers and Kano, expressed readiness to comply, with plans to renovate schools and hospitals. The bill’s passage has sparked debates about governance priorities, with stakeholders demanding swift implementation. The House plans to collaborate with the Senate to ensure the bill’s passage before the end of 2025. The legislation could reshape Nigeria’s public sector, influencing voter perceptions ahead of 2027.