The House of Representatives is calling for immediate federal intervention to combat a cholera outbreak in Badagry West, Lagos State, which has already claimed several lives and poses a serious public health threat to the region.
EpeInsights reports that this call was made following a motion presented by Sesi Whingan on the floor of the House, urging the federal government to take swift action to prevent further deaths and curb the spread of the disease.
The motion was adopted unanimously by the lawmakers, who, in a moment of reflection, observed a minute’s silence in honor of the lives lost to the outbreak.
In his motion, Whingan described the outbreak as a looming public health crisis that demands urgent national attention.
He highlighted several factors contributing to the outbreak, including contaminated water, poor sanitation, and the collapse of local healthcare systems, exacerbated by the relocation of the Nigerian Air Force Mother and Child Care Hospital.
“The people of Badagry West, especially women and children, are suffering due to cholera symptoms, which have been worsened by contaminated water and inadequate sanitation. A four-year power outage has crippled vital water systems and vaccine storage facilities, further fueling the outbreak,” Whingan stated during his address.
The House of Representatives directed the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to immediately deploy disease surveillance teams and provide essential medical supplies to the affected communities, particularly in the Zongo and Seme areas of Badagry West LCDA.
Public health education campaigns will also be launched to raise awareness about prevention and treatment.
Lawmakers also expressed concern about the potential for the outbreak to spread nationwide if swift action isn’t taken.
“This crisis threatens to extend beyond Lagos and endanger countless lives across the country. The neglect of basic health infrastructure and services violates the constitutional obligation to protect the welfare of the people,” Whingan added.
Despite the grim situation, Whingan and his colleagues acknowledged the heroic efforts of local health workers and volunteers who are fighting the outbreak under challenging conditions.
To support ongoing efforts, the House has urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to provide immediate relief materials, including potable water and sanitation infrastructure, to the affected areas.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has also been tasked with distributing water purification tablets, disinfectants, and sanitary kits to curb further infections.
In recognition of the critical role that electricity plays in supporting healthcare services, the House has directed the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to restore power to Badagry West LCDA.
A reliable power supply is essential for reactivating water systems and ensuring that local health facilities can operate effectively.
To further strengthen the response, the House has mandated a joint committee of lawmakers from Healthcare Services, Power, Rural Electrification, and Emergency Preparedness to visit the affected area.
The committees will assess the impact of the outbreak, evaluate efforts to restore power, and investigate the relocation of health facilities. The committees are expected to report their findings within three weeks.
As the cholera outbreak continues to devastate Badagry West, it remains to be seen whether these federal interventions will bring the much-needed relief to the community and prevent a broader public health crisis.
Reported by: Sunday Dennis
