BREAKING: KNHA Passes Public Health Security Bill Into Law

By Mustapha Salisu

Kano State House of Assembly under the leadership of its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore has passed into law the Public Health Security Bill before the floor of the house today Tuesday 27th February, 2024.

PRIME TIME NEWS reports that Kano State has become a trailblazer among Nigerian states by spearheading the bill as this crucial legislation is designed to fortify the state’s capabilities in preventing, detecting, responding to, recovering from, and preparing for epidemic diseases.

Initiated during the 9th Assembly, the bill garnered support from key partners such as the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO Lafiya), Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL) and others.

The Bill was also sponsored before the floor of the House of Assembly by Hon. Musa Ali Kachako member representing Takai constituency.

These organizations played a pivotal role in advocacy and hosting workshops for stakeholders and legislators, offering in-depth insights into the bill.

Following the workshops, the bill successfully passed its 1st reading but faced a hiatus due to time constraints and the subsequent closure of the 9th Assembly. As per legislative protocols, an unfinished bill in one assembly necessitates restarting the process in a new assembly.

Upon the inauguration of the 10th Assembly, supportive partners launched advocacies and follow-ups based on previous efforts. The members of the assembly, acknowledging the significant investments in the bill, embraced it.

The bill has progressed through the 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, with a comprehensive retreat organized to scrutinize its contents, sections, and technicalities.

The document underwent meticulous review by a standing committee on health, generating a detailed report presented to the floor of the house and subsequently accepted.