Garba Mohammed
A bill seeking to prohibit political office holders and civil servants from using private schools and healthcare services has scaled its first reading at the House of Representatives.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Prohibit Public and Civil Servants from Patronising Private Schools and Health Care Services and for Related Matters (HB 2487),” is sponsored by Hon. Amobi Ogah, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State.
Ogah explained that the bill aims to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s public institutions by ensuring that government officials and their families rely on public schools and hospitals.
“This bill intends to avoid conflict of interest, maintain public trust and uphold high, uncompromised standards in public institutions,” he stated.
Describing the move as a step towards national rebirth, Ogah called on Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the media to support the bill.
If passed into law, the bill will mandate all public office holders, including members of their families, to use public healthcare and education facilities, thereby compelling the government to improve these services.