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Bill for Establishment of Additional Specialist Eyecare Centres in Nigeria Pass Second Reading

Published

11 months ago

December 11, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has passed through second reading, a Bill seeking to amend the National Eye centre Act, 2004, to provide for the establishment of more specialist eye care centres.

The proposed legislation was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Hon. Babajimi Benson and 5 other lawmakers on Wednesday at plenary.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Kalu noted that the bill seeks to enhance access to qualitative eye care services across the six geo-political zones of the nation.

According to him, the proposed amendments seek to address the pressing need for more specialist eye care centres to cater for the growing population and address the rising cases of eye diseases in the country.

Making reference to reports, he lamented that preventable and treatable eye conditions are a leading cause of disability in Nigeria, with cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors remaining prevalent in many parts of the country, especially the rural areas where access to specialized care is limited.

He expressed optimism that the proposed amendments will rectify this situation by expanding the establishment of National Eye Centres to strategic locations across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

He added that by doing so, we aim to provide a framework that will enhance and improve access to quality eye care, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind due to geographical barriers.

Kalu said, “I rise to lead the debate on the general principles of a Bill for an Act to amend the National Eye Centre Act, Cap N38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which seeks to enhance access to qualitative eye care services across the six geo-political zones of our beloved nation. The proposed amendments seek to address the pressing need for more specialist eye care centres to cater for the growing population and address the rising cases of eye diseases in the country. The Bill was read for the first time on Wednesday, 20thDecember, 2023.

“As we are all aware, access to quality healthcare services, especially in specialised areas like eye care, is crucial for the well-being of our citizens. The statistics reveal that preventable and treatable eye conditions are a leading cause of disability in Nigeria, with cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors remaining prevalent in many parts of the country, especially the rural areas where access to specialized care is limited. Unfortunately, the existing National Eye Centre in Kaduna, though commendable in its efforts, is unable to adequately meet the eye care needs of our vast and diverse nation. This inadequacy has led to disparities in access to eye care services, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas.

“The proposed amendments, thus aim to rectify this situation by expanding the establishment of National Eye Centres to strategic locations across the six geopolitical zones of the country. By doing so, we aim to provide a framework that will enhance and improve access to quality eye care, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind due to geographical barriers. We hope to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location, can access quality eye care services. This is not just a matter of healthcare; it is a matter of equity and social justice. This Bill which seeks to enhance and improve access to quality eye care in Nigeria has the following key provisions.

“The creation of 5 additional Specialist Eye Care Centres spread across the remaining 5 geopolitical zones of Nigeria not originally covered by the principal legislation which only provided for an Eye Care Centre in Kaduna, North West Nigeria. The establishment of separate Boards to govern each centre and academic committees to oversee academic affairs. These bodies will not only ensure effective management and coordination of the Centres’ activities by overseeing their day-to-day operations, but shall also drive research and educational initiatives in ophthalmology, thereby fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in eye care. In presenting this bill, we are reaffirming our commitment to the visual health and well-being of every Nigerian. By establishing additional centers, we can decentralize eye care services, reduce travel costs for patients, and ultimately protect and preserve the precious gift of sight for all citizens. Honourable Colleagues, I urge you all to support this Bill as it represents a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria, particularly in the critical area of eye care. Together, let us illuminate the path to a future where quality eye care is not a luxury but a fundamental right for every Nigerian.”

Thereafter the bill was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Rep Tajudeen Abass, who presided over the session and it was passed and referred to the committee on speciality Healthcare.

Related Topics:House of representatives kaduna Lawmakers Nigeria Nigerian

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Convention: They went to Ibadan to start dirty December in November-Wike’s aide mocks delegates

Published

5 hours ago

November 15, 2025

ADMIN

Apparently peeved by developments from Ibadan PDP convention, Lere Olayinka, aide to FCT has described the exercise as a jamboree for drunkards.

Olayinka in a terse statement said: ‘When people decide to start their own dirty December in November, one can’t but ignore whatever comes out of their mouths.

“They gathered in Ibadan to do social party, enjoyed themselves and got intoxicated, they are free to say anything.

News

Breaking: Chairman PDP convention, Fintri dissociates self from expulsion of Wike

Published

5 hours ago

November 15, 2025

ADMIN

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP convention ongoing in Ibadan has dissociated himself from the expulsion of FCT minister Nyesom Wike from the party.

Fintri disclosed this via his X handle stating that:

“I, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State, wish to categorically state that I dissociate myself from the position of expelling the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, @GovWike , from @OfficialPDPNig (PDP). I believe that this decision is not in the best interest of the party, and I will not be party to any attempt that could further plunge the PDP into unending crisis.

“As a faithful party member, my position is clear: I stand for the peace and stability of the PDP, and I will not support anything that could lead to its disintegration.

“I believe that peace and reconciliation are the only ways forward for our great party.

“I urge all stakeholders to work towards healing the divisions within the party and to strive for unity and cohesion.

” As a party man, I am committed to supporting efforts that promote peace, stability, and progress within the PDP.

“Let me reiterate that my position is guided by the desire for peace and reconciliation, and I will continue to work towards achieving this goal.

News

BREAKING: Absence of INEC throws PDP convention into disarray

Published

8 hours ago

November 15, 2025

ADMIN

The absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has put a clog into the ongoing Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Ibadan as chairman of the confab, Governor of Adamawa state ,Ahmadu Fintri extricate self.

The National Convention Chairman, Ahmadu Fintiri had declared that “with the absence of INEC, it is not within my prerogative to continue with this exercise, I leave the delegates to decide”

This major irregularity could nullify the whole exercise.

Details shortly…