The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to take immediate action to contain the escalating cholera outbreak in Badagry West, Lagos State, which has already claimed lives and poses a growing threat to public health.
The call followed the adoption of a motion presented on the floor of the House by Sesi Whingan, who appealed for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of life in the affected communities.
In a solemn gesture, the lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of those who had died as a result of the outbreak.
The House directed the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, to immediately deploy disease surveillance teams, essential medical supplies, and public health education campaigns to the impacted communities, particularly in Zongo, Seme axis of Badagry West LCDA.
During his lead debate, Whingan described the outbreak as a looming public health disaster that demands urgent national attention.
“The House is heartbroken that residents, especially women and children, face severe cholera symptoms due to contaminated water, poor sanitation, and a collapsed healthcare system, worsened by the relocation of the Nigerian Air Force Mother and Child Care Hospital.
“The House is alarmed that a four-year power outage has crippled water systems, vaccine storage, and health facilities, directly fuelling the spread of cholera.
“The House is fearful that without urgent action by the Federal and Lagos State Governments, the outbreak could spread nationwide, endangering countless lives.
“The House is outraged that this neglect violates Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), mandating the welfare of the people.”;;
Despite the grim circumstances, Whingan and other members commended the swift efforts of local health workers and volunteers battling the outbreak at great personal risk.
To strengthen the response, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development to immediately provide relief materials such as potable water and improved sanitation infrastructure.
The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, was directed to distribute water purification tablets, disinfectants, and sanitary kits to curb further infections.
Recognising the role of power supply in sustaining healthcare services, lawmakers also tasked the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, with restoring electricity to Badagry West LCDA, citing its critical importance in reactivating water supply systems and health centres.
The House mandated its joint Committees on Healthcare Services, Power, Rural Electrification, and Emergency Preparedness to visit the affected area, assess the impact of the outbreak, verify power restoration efforts, and investigate the relocation of health facilities. The committees are expected to report back within three weeks.
