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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to contain a cholera outbreak currently affecting communities in Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State.
The call to action followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Sesi Whingan during Wednesday’s plenary, prompting lawmakers to observe a minute of silence in honour of those who have lost their lives to the outbreak.
Expressing deep concern over the escalating health crisis, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to swiftly deploy medical teams, disease surveillance units, and implement intensive public health awareness campaigns in the affected areas.
While presenting the motion, Hon. Whingan highlighted the suspected outbreak in Zongo, a community located along the Seme border in Badagry West LCDA. He warned that if urgent measures are not taken, the situation could snowball into a national health emergency.
“The House is gravely disturbed that women and children are bearing the heaviest burden of this outbreak, which stems from unsafe drinking water, inadequate hygiene infrastructure, and a debilitated healthcare system,” Whingan stated.
He further noted that the recent removal of the Nigerian Air Force Mother and Child Care Hospital from the area had worsened healthcare access, leaving residents vulnerable.
Hon. Whingan also drew attention to a persistent four-year power outage in the area, which he said has crippled essential infrastructure, including water supply systems, vaccine storage, and healthcare delivery.
“There’s an imminent risk that without immediate federal and state intervention, the disease could spread beyond Badagry, posing a nationwide threat,” he added. “This continued inaction contravenes Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which affirms that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
The House commended the dedication of local health workers and volunteers who, despite daunting challenges, have remained on the frontline in battling the outbreak.
To bolster the response efforts, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development to deliver essential relief supplies, including potable water and improved sanitation facilities.
Additionally, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was directed to distribute hygiene kits, water purification tablets, and disinfectants to affected communities.
In another resolution, the House called on the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to expedite efforts to restore electricity to Badagry West LCDA, which is crucial to reviving health and water infrastructure in the area.
The House also mandated its Committees on Healthcare Services, Power, Rural Electrification, and Emergency and Disaster Preparedness to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the outbreak and report back within three weeks with their findings and actionable recommendations.