Reps Call for Swift Action Amid Health Concerns in Badagry West

…appeal for immediate power restoration in affected communities

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has raised serious concerns over a potential public health emergency reportedly affecting residents of the Zongo community, situated in the Seme axis of Badagry West LCDA, Lagos State.

The House urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to deploy surveillance teams, medical supplies, and launch public health awareness campaigns in Badagry West.

The lawmakers also called on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development to coordinate the immediate delivery of clean water, sanitation equipment, and other relief materials.

The House further ordered the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to urgently restore electricity in Badagry West LCDA to support essential services.

The lawmakers emphasised the urgency of intervention to mitigate further health complications and safeguard lives in the area on Wednesday at plenary.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion titled: “Addressing the Critical Health Situation and Urgent Power Needs in Badagry West,” by Rep. Sesi Whingan which drew attention to the deteriorating living conditions in the region on Wednesday at plenary.

During deliberations, Rep. Whingan highlighted the increasing number of casualties most notably among vulnerable groups such as women and children and linking the situation to prolonged exposure to unsafe water and long-standing gaps in essential public infrastructure, including health services.

“The heart-wrenching reality is that our people are dying because they lack access to clean water, medical care, and even electricity to power essential health systems,” the lawmaker said.

He noted that prolonged electricity challenges persisting for over four years have significantly strained basic services in the community, including access to clean water, preservation of medical supplies, and delivery of health interventions.

The recent relocation of a key medical center, previously operated by the Nigerian Air Force, has left a noticeable gap in healthcare support for local residents.

Rep. Whingan cautioned that without immediate measures, the ongoing health issues in the area could escalate and potentially affect broader regions beyond Lagos, posing serious national implications.

“If we continue to ignore this crisis, we become complicit in the possible spread of this deadly disease across Nigeria,” he added.

He also condemned what he described as a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates the government to prioritize the welfare and security of its citizens.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide water purification tablets, disinfectants, and sanitary kits to affected residents.

The House further mandated its Committees on Healthcare Services, Power, Rural Electrification, and Emergency Preparedness to visit the affected areas, assess the situation, and report back within three weeks.