The Delta State House of Assembly on Thursday advanced the Public Health and Hygiene Bill, 2025, as it scaled second reading, marking a significant step toward strengthening public health regulations and sanitation standards across the state.
The bill, which received broad support from lawmakers during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, proposes the repeal of the outdated Public Health Law of 1957 and its replacement with a modern legal framework that reflects present-day health and environmental realities.
Opening debate on the bill, the Leader of the House and lead sponsor, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, said the proposed legislation is designed to enhance the prevention and control of communicable diseases while addressing critical sanitation issues affecting communities across the state.
“The existing Public Health Law has become obsolete and no longer reflects the realities of modern public health challenges.
“This bill seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework that will strengthen disease prevention, improve sanitation practices, and safeguard the health of our citizens”, ” Nwaobi said.
According to the Lawmaker, the bill will 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.
Several lawmakers who contributed to the debate described the bill as both timely and necessary, noting that improved hygiene standards remain essential to protecting public health.
The Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowovwo, said the legislation would significantly enhance environmental sanitation across the state.
“This bill will help promote a cleaner and healthier environment for our people. Public health issues are directly linked to sanitation, and this legislation will strengthen our regulatory capacity,” Akpowowo noted.
Other members who spoke in support of the bill included Hon Augustine Uroye, Marylin Okowa-Daramola, Oboro Preyor, Charles Emetulu, and Ebitonmo Alapala, collectively stressed that the measure would help create a healthier and more sanitized environment for residents.
After extensive deliberations, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Guwor, 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.
“We must ensure that any law we pass adequately protects the health of our people and addresses contemporary challenges in sanitation and disease control,” Guwor stated.
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 by the Leader, the Speaker adjourned further consideration of the bill to the next legislative sitting.
Earlier, the Speaker welcomed the members of the Anambra State House of Assembly led by their Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, who were in Asaba on a legislative retreat and in the Assembly to observed the plenary session of the Delta State Assembly.
Rt. Hon. Guwor who is the Chairman, Conference of Speakers of States Legislatures in Nigeria, said such inter-legislative engagements are vital for strengthening democratic institutions and sharing best legislative practices.
“Collaboration and interaction among state legislatures remain essential in promoting effective lawmaking and improving governance across the country,” Guwor said.
The Speaker expressed appreciation to the visiting lawmakers for choosing Asaba, the capital of Delta State, as the venue for their retreat.
The House adjourned plenary till next week.
