The Kogi State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed for second reading two private member bills aimed at strengthening environmental sanitation and providing free maternal and neonatal healthcare services in the state. 

The bills, sponsored by Umar Yahaya, representing Omala State Constituency, and first read on October 14, 2025, seek to address public health challenges arising from indiscriminate waste disposal and maternal and newborn mortality.

 The first bill was titled “A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Prevention and Control of Public Littering, the Defacement of Public and Private Places and for Other Related Matters, 2025”.

Mr Yahaya, while leading a debate on the bill, said it would establish a legal framework for the prevention and control of littering, environmental degradation and defacement of public and private property.

He noted that indiscriminate refuse disposal, blocked drainage, and vandalised public infrastructure had become widespread, contributing to flooding, environmental hazards and the spread of diseases.

 According to him, the proposed legislation prohibits littering outside designated waste bins, bans dumping of refuse in gutters and waterways, and places responsibility on individuals, businesses and property occupiers to maintain clean surroundings.

The lawmaker added that the bill would empower environmental enforcement officers, introduce administrative sanctions and provide community service as an alternative to fines or imprisonment.

 He said the bill would also require government and local councils to provide waste bins, establish recycling centres and intensify public enlightenment campaigns on environmental sanitation.

Contributing to the debate, Speaker of the House, Aliyu Yusuf, Deputy Speaker, Comfort Egwaba, and other lawmakers described the bill as timely and necessary.

They stressed the need to promote a culture of cleanliness among residents and strengthen efforts to maintain a healthy environment.

The speaker said that the proposed law would encourage citizens to keep their surroundings clean and reduce the prevalence of disease outbreaks linked to poor sanitation.

The assembly also passed for second reading a bill titled “A Bill for a Law to Provide for Free Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare Services for Pregnant Women and Newborn Children in State-Owned Health Facilities in Kogi State and Other Matters Connected Therewith, 2025.”

The bill, also sponsored by Mr Yahaya, seeks to guarantee free antenatal care, skilled delivery services, including caesarean sections, obstetric and neonatal care, immunisation, diagnostic services, essential drugs and comprehensive newborn care in state-owned health facilities.

 Mr Yahaya said the bill was designed to eliminate financial barriers that prevent many women from accessing quality maternal healthcare services.

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s high maternal mortality burden.

According to him, many maternal and neonatal deaths occur because families are unable to afford treatment.

The lawmaker said existing state interventions, including the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative and Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week, required legal backing to ensure sustainability and accountability.

 According to him, the proposed legislation will provide the necessary legal framework to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare delivery in the state.

 Lawmakers who spoke in support of the bill said its implementation would significantly reduce maternal and neonatal deaths, as well as related health complications.

Following extensive deliberations, the House referred both bills to the relevant committees for further legislative action.

The House reiterated its commitment to enacting laws that promote public health, environmental sustainability and the overall welfare of residents across the state.

 (NAN)