FIC REPORT (BENUE STATE) – The Benue State House of Assembly has passed the Tuberculosis Elimination, Human Rights Protection and Anti-Discrimination Bill, 2026, aimed at providing a legal framework for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and eventual elimination of tuberculosis in the state.
The Bill was passed during plenary on Thursday, October 8, 2026, presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga, at the Assembly Complex in Makurdi.
The passage followed consideration of the report of the House Standing Committee on Health and Human Services on H.B. 3, presented to the House by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Pharm. Thomas Dugeri.
In its report, the Committee said the legislation addresses a critical public-health concern by establishing a legal framework for tuberculosis prevention and elimination while protecting the rights, dignity and welfare of persons affected by the disease.
The Committee, however, recommended amendments to some provisions of the Bill to ensure that the legislation conforms with the constitutional responsibilities of the state.
It recommended the removal of references to Federal laws and institutions that are inappropriate for state legislation, particularly provisions seeking to amend or modify Federal legislation such as the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010.
The Committee proposed that such provisions be replaced with measures that would facilitate access by affected persons to applicable Federal benefits and compensation.
It also recommended that Federal institutions referenced in the Bill be replaced with appropriate Benue State institutions, while allowing lawful collaboration with relevant Federal authorities where necessary.
The Committee further recommended that the Commissioner responsible for Health, through the Ministry of Health and Human Services and relevant state agencies, be clearly assigned responsibility for coordinating the implementation of the law.
On human rights protection, the Committee called for stronger safeguards in provisions relating to screening, isolation and restriction of movement, stressing the need for informed consent, confidentiality, medical necessity, proportionality and the least restrictive measures.
It also recommended an accessible mechanism for receiving and addressing complaints of discrimination against persons affected by tuberculosis, including appropriate remedial measures and referral of cases for prosecution where necessary.
The Committee stressed that the provisions protecting the rights of persons affected by TB to dignity, healthcare, privacy, access to information, employment, education and social protection should be retained and strengthened.
It further called for offences and penalties under the law to be clearly defined, proportionate and enforceable, while vague expressions such as “severe penalties” should be removed.
The Committee also recommended the development of a costed Benue State Tuberculosis Elimination Plan and State TB Guidelines, consistent with applicable national policies and guidelines.
The passage of the Bill follows its introduction in September 2026 and subsequent consideration by the House Committee on Health and Human Services. The Bill had earlier passed its Second Reading during plenary on October 1, 2026.
In another development, the House gave First Reading to H.B. 4: A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police Services and for Related Matters.
The Executive Bill was presented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Peter Bemdoo Ipusu, and was read for the first time.
The Bill was subsequently referred to the Rules and Business Committee for further legislative procedures.
The House of Assembly also invited the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs , the leadership of ALGON, that of DGSA’s and Treasures to appear before it on Tuesday, 13th October, 2026.
The house further emphasized that failure to appear, the house will envoke it’s powers under the Constitution to secure their appearance.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC
