ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State House of Assembly on Thursday advanced the Public Health and Hygiene Bill, 2025, to second reading, setting the stage for a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s public health and sanitation laws.
The proposed legislation, which enjoyed broad support from lawmakers during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, seeks to repeal the existing Public Health Law of 1957 and replace it with a modern legal framework designed to address contemporary public health and environmental sanitation challenges.
Opening debate on the bill, the Leader of the House and lead sponsor, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, explained that the proposed law is aimed at strengthening the prevention and control of communicable diseases while tackling sanitation concerns affecting communities across Delta State.
He noted that the current law had become outdated and inadequate in addressing emerging health challenges.
“The existing Public Health Law has become obsolete and no longer reflects the realities of modern public health challenges,” Nwaobi said. “This bill seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework that will strengthen disease prevention, improve sanitation practices and safeguard the health of our citizens.”
According to the lawmaker, the bill contains provisions 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, stressing that improved hygiene standards remain critical to protecting public health and promoting a cleaner environment.
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,” Akpowovwo stated.
Other lawmakers who spoke in support of the bill included Hon. Augustine Uroye, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Hon. Oboro Preyor, Hon. Charles Emetulu and Hon. Ebitonmo Alapala. They collectively maintained that the proposed legislation would help create a healthier and more sanitized environment for residents.
Following 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.
“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 said.
The House also resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider the Delta State Internal Revenue Service Consolidated Bill on a clause-by-clause basis, but further deliberations were adjourned to the next legislative sitting following a motion by the House Leader.
Earlier in the session, the Speaker welcomed members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, led by their Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, who were in Asaba for a legislative retreat and observed proceedings during the plenary.
Guwor, who also serves as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, described inter-legislative engagements as critical to strengthening democratic institutions and enhancing legislative efficiency across the country.
“Collaboration and interaction among state legislatures remain essential in promoting effective lawmaking and improving governance across the country,” the Speaker said
He commended the visiting lawmakers for choosing Asaba, the Delta State capital, as the venue for their retreat.
