The House of Representatives has appealed to the Federal Government for swift intervention in addressing a cholera outbreak currently ravaging Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State.
The appeal followed a motion presented by Hon. Sesi Whingan during Wednesday’s plenary session, prompting the lawmakers to observe a minute’s silence in memory of those who have died from the outbreak.
Raising alarm over the growing public health threat, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to urgently dispatch medical teams, disease surveillance units, and conduct widespread health education in the affected communities.
Leading the motion, Hon. Whingan expressed deep concern over the suspected cholera outbreak in Zongo, a community in the Seme axis of Badagry West LCDA. He warned that if left unchecked, the disease could spiral into a full-scale health disaster.
He said: “The House is deeply distressed that women and children are suffering the brunt of this outbreak, caused by unsafe water, poor hygiene infrastructure, and a weakened healthcare system, conditions made worse by the removal of the Nigerian Air Force Mother and Child Care Hospital from the area.
“It is alarming that a persistent four-year electricity blackout has further undermined critical infrastructure like water supply, vaccine preservation, and health services, escalating the crisis.
“There is a real fear that if immediate steps aren’t taken by both federal and state governments, this outbreak could spread beyond Badagry, putting lives across the country at risk.
“This continued negligence violates Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulates that the security and welfare of citizens shall be the primary purpose of government.”
The House applauded the courage and dedication of local healthcare providers and volunteers, who have been working under difficult conditions to manage the outbreak.
To further support the response, the House urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development to provide essential relief materials, such as potable water and sanitation facilities.
It also tasked the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) with delivering hygiene kits, water purification tablets, and disinfectants to affected communities.
In a related directive, the lawmakers called on the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to urgently restore electricity to Badagry West LCDA to revive health and water infrastructure.
The House subsequently mandated its Committees on Healthcare Services, Power, Rural Electrification, and Emergency Preparedness to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the situation in Badagry West.
The committees are expected to report their findings and recommendations within three weeks.
