The bill seeking to prohibit discrimination against persons living with or affected by tuberculosis (TB) and safeguard their fundamental human rights and dignity sponsored by Rt. Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency has scaled the second reading in the House of Representatives.
Leading the debate on the proposed legislation, Hon Ogah urged his colleagues to support the bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Make Provision for the Prevention of TB-Based Discrimination and Protect the Fundamental Human Rights and Dignity of People Living With and Affected by TB and for Related Matters, 2025 (HB. 2298).”
He recalled that on December 12, 2024, the House adopted a resolution following a motion on the need to translate commitments into action to end tuberculosis by 2030.
The Lawmaker reminded the Green Chamber that the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control was subsequently mandated to develop legislation, addressing violations of the rights of persons affected by TB.
Hon Ogah made it clear that the bill is designed to protect the rights and dignity of individuals living with or affected by tuberculosis while eliminating all forms of discrimination based on TB status.
He, however, lamented that despite tuberculosis being both preventable and curable, many patients continue to face stigma and discrimination, which often discourages them from seeking testing, treatment and other healthcare services.
The National Assembly Member pointed out that the 1999 Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, including the rights to life, dignity and health, stressing that Nigeria is also bound by various international and regional human rights commitments that require the protection of vulnerable persons.
Hon Ogah therefore warned that failure to address discrimination against TB patients could undermine national efforts to eliminate the disease by 2030, as many infected persons may avoid medical care for fear of stigmatization.
He further expressed concern over workplace practices where some employees are allegedly dismissed or denied employment opportunities because of their TB status. The proposed legislation, he said, would provide legal safeguards against such actions and encourage affected persons to access testing and treatment without fear.
According to him, the bill would establish a comprehensive framework for preventing discrimination and protecting the rights of people living with and affected by tuberculosis across Nigeria.
The Legislator further appealed to his colleagues to support the legislation, describing it as a critical step toward reducing the burden of TB and advancing public health outcomes in the country.
Meanwhile, the bill has scaled second reading and is expected to undergo further legislative scrutiny before passage.
