The House of Representatives has introduced a bill seeking to prohibit public and civil servants from patronising private schools and healthcare services in a renewed push to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s education and health systems.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Prohibit Public and Civil Servants from Patronising Private Schools and Health Care Services and for Related Matters (HB 2487),” was presented on Tuesday by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly, Ogah said the bill is designed to compel all government officials and their immediate family members to exclusively use public schools and hospitals.
“This legislation is aimed at curbing the mass exodus of public officials from the institutions they are meant to develop and manage. It is a direct step toward improving standards and ensuring accountability,” he said.
Ogah blamed the poor state of public services on years of neglect and double standards by government officials who opt for private and foreign alternatives.
Citing data, he revealed that Nigerians spent over $29.29 billion on overseas medical treatment during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and another $218.87 million on foreign education in 2023 alone. In contrast, only N1.336 trillion was allocated to the health sector in the 2024 budget.
“If we could begin subsidy removal for petroleum, we must also begin subsidy removal for private preference in essential services. This bill represents a moral obligation to revive our public institutions,” Ogah added.
The lawmaker said Nigeria’s founding fathers, including Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, were all products of public education, noting the decline began when public trust eroded.
He called on Nigerians and the media to support the bill as a means of promoting a national consciousness that prioritises and revives public sector performance.
