Infectious Diseases Bill: CSOs commend Reps’ decision, suggests fresh measures
Nigerian Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, consisting of 65 organizations have applauded the House of Representatives for its decision to conduct public hearing for the control of infectious diseases bill.
In a statement on Thursday, the group said the decision is in acknowledgement of the sincere concerns generated by the bill, and in furtherance of the right of citizens to contribute to law making.
“The Nigeria Civil Society community commends the decision of the House of Representatives to subject the Control of Infectious Diseases Bill to a public hearing in furtherance of the right of citizens to contribute to lawmaking.
“The decision, as announced by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, who is also one of the sponsors of the bill, is an acknowledgment of the sincere concerns generated by the bill.
Soliciting public inputs therefore responds to the demands to subject the bill to public scrutiny given its sensitivity and impact on constitutionally guaranteed rights, rule of law, institutional interdependence and national security.
Public scrutiny can only be achieved through broad based engagements during public hearings and stakeholder consultations”, the group insisted.
The CSO community noted that the purpose of a public hearing is to ensure that there is a free exchange of ideas and opinions, effective information dissemination, and consideration of expert opinions in the process of lawmaking for a more effective, responsive, and robust legislation.
They said that as the House of Representatives considers new modalities for the public hearing on the Control of the Infectious Diseases Bill, they are putting forward recommendations that will promote public participation.
“The House of Representatives should provide clarity on the committee(s) entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating the public hearing to ensure effective engagement with citizens and stakeholders.
The timetable and guidelines should highlight the mode, structure, time, and levels of engagement to ensure effective participation of citizens and stakeholders,” the group suggested.
The coalition also urged the lawmakers to host a virtual and physical public hearing, saying that the House of Reps should amend its standing rules on the procedure for lawmaking to integrate the newly proposed procedures as suggested by the Speaker.
According to them this should include integrating virtual public hearings on secured videoconferencing platforms to promote public participation.
They also suggested consultative meetings with federal and state Ministries of Health, the NCDC, medical professionals, labor unions, security and law enforcement agencies like the police, health organizations, civil society groups, the media and development partners.
“This is to provide opportunity for a thorough consideration of all the concerns raised by Nigerians and related policy and operations institutions.
The CSO Community includes Yiaga Africa, Girl Child Africa, Center for Liberty, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), and OSIWA, among many others.
