Stakeholders across Kogi State have applauded the member representing Omala State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Umar Yahaya, for sponsoring three landmark bills aimed at improving healthcare delivery, promoting indigenous economic participation and strengthening environmental sustainability in the state.
The commendation came during separate public hearings organised by the Kogi State House of Assembly on the proposed legislations, which participants described as timely, people-oriented and capable of addressing critical developmental challenges confronting the state.
The bills are: A Bill for a Law to Provide for Free Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare Services for Pregnant Women and Newborn Children in State-Owned Health Facilities in Kogi State and for Other Matters Connected Therewith, 2025.
A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Development of Kogi State Local Content in the Supply of Goods and Services in Kogi State and for Related Matters, 2025; and
A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Prevention and Control of Public Littering, the Defacement of Public and Private Places, and for Other Related Matters, 2025.
Speaking during the public hearing, Hon. Yahaya said the maternal and neonatal healthcare bill seeks to establish a legal framework for the provision of free healthcare services for pregnant women, lactating mothers, newborns in state-owned health facilities across Kogi State.
According to him, the proposed legislation is designed to improve access to quality healthcare services, reduce maternal and infant mortality, strengthen healthcare financing mechanisms and enhance the welfare of women and children.
“This Bill is designed to improve access to quality healthcare services, reduce maternal and infant mortality, strengthen healthcare financing mechanisms and promote the welfare of women and children across Kogi State. It also envisages active collaboration among the State Government, Local Government Councils, development partners, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in achieving improved healthcare outcomes,” Yahaya said.
The lawmaker explained that the second bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for promoting, regulating and enforcing local content development in engineering, construction, mining, and the supply of goods and services within the state.
He noted that the bill proposes the establishment of the Kogi State Local Content Development and Monitoring Board, which would ensure that indigenous companies, professionals, artisans and skilled workers are given priority in government-related economic activities.
“The ultimate objective is to deepen indigenous participation, promote technology transfer, build local capacity, create employment opportunities, stimulate entrepreneurship and foster sustainable economic growth and development in Kogi State,” he stated.
On the environmental protection bill, the Omala lawmaker said the proposed legislation seeks to address indiscriminate waste disposal, public littering and the defacement of public and private property through stricter regulations and effective enforcement mechanisms.
He explained that the bill would encourage proper waste management, recycling, environmental sanitation and public enlightenment, while assigning responsibilities to individuals, businesses, property owners and local government councils to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
“The Bill provides enforcement mechanisms, penalties for violations, public enlightenment programmes and complementary roles for Local Government Councils in ensuring environmental sustainability and safeguarding public health,” he added.
Describing the three proposed laws as development-driven, Yahaya urged stakeholders to make constructive contributions that would further strengthen the bills before their eventual passage.
“These Bills are people-oriented and development-driven. They seek to improve the quality of life of our citizens, strengthen institutional frameworks, promote sustainable development and advance the socio-economic aspirations of Kogi State.
“This public hearing provides an invaluable opportunity for all stakeholders to critically examine the provisions of these Bills and make constructive contributions towards enriching them for the benefit of all Kogites,” he said.
Stakeholders who participated in the hearings unanimously endorsed the proposed legislations, describing them as strategic interventions capable of improving the welfare of residents and accelerating socio-economic development in the state.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza; the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Muazu Omeiza Musa; and the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KSHIA), Dr. Adekunle Aledare, particularly praised the free maternal and neonatal healthcare bill, noting that it would significantly reduce the financial burden on expectant mothers and low-income families while improving maternal and child health outcomes.
“The maternal and neonatal healthcare bill is a life-saving intervention. It will reduce maternal and infant mortality by removing financial barriers to quality healthcare for pregnant women and newborns. It is a bold step towards achieving universal health coverage in Kogi State,” they said.
The officials also commended the lawmaker for initiating legislation that directly addresses critical health challenges facing the state.
“This is one of the most impactful healthcare initiatives before the Assembly. It demonstrates a genuine commitment to protecting the lives of mothers and children while strengthening the state’s healthcare system,” they added.
Similarly, the Kogi State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KOCCIMA), led by Dr. Demiloye Akerejola, described the local content bill as a major economic reform capable of empowering indigenous businesses and creating employment opportunities for youths across the state.
“The local content bill will encourage indigenous participation in government projects, strengthen local industries, retain wealth within the state and promote sustainable economic growth. It is a forward-looking initiative that deserves the support of every stakeholder,” Akerejola said.
He added that the proposed legislation would enhance the competitiveness of local enterprises while encouraging skills transfer and capacity development among Kogi residents.
On the environmental protection bill, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya Mohammed Danladi Farouk, and the Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen, said the legislation would help curb indiscriminate waste disposal, improve sanitation and promote a cleaner environment across the state.
“If properly implemented, this law will discourage environmental pollution, instil civic responsibility among residents and significantly improve public health and environmental sanitation across Kogi State,” they said.
They further stressed that the bill would complement existing government efforts to create a cleaner, healthier and more environmentally sustainable state.
Other stakeholders, including representatives of civil society organisations, professional bodies and community groups, also threw their weight behind the three bills, describing them as comprehensive legislative interventions that address key sectors of healthcare, economic development and environmental management.
The public hearings form part of the legislative process leading to the consideration and eventual passage of the bills by the Kogi State House of Assembly. Participants expressed optimism that once enacted and effectively implemented, the proposed laws would strengthen governance, improve service delivery and contribute significantly to the overall development of Kogi State.
