The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed for a second reading two private member bills aimed at improving healthcare delivery and environmental sanitation across the state.

The bills, sponsored by the member representing Omala State Constituency, Hon. Umar Yahaya seeks to provide free maternal and neonatal healthcare services in all state-owned health facilities and establish stricter measures against public littering and environmental degradation.

Speaking during the debate, Hon. Yahaya said the maternal healthcare bill would guarantee free antenatal care, skilled delivery services, including caesarean sections, immunisation, essential drugs, and comprehensive newborn care.

He noted that the proposed law aligns with the healthcare vision of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration and would complement the growing network of primary healthcare centres across the state.

The lawmaker explained that the bill is designed to remove financial barriers that prevent many women from accessing quality maternal care, while providing a legal framework to sustain existing maternal and child health interventions.

The Assembly also advanced a bill to curb indiscriminate waste disposal, public littering, and the defacement of public and private properties.

The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen environmental sanitation, enforce cleanliness standards, and promote public participation in maintaining a healthy environment.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola and other lawmakers commended the initiatives, describing them as timely interventions capable of improving public health and environmental conditions across the state.

Both bills were subsequently referred to the relevant House committees for further legislative consideration.