News

Lawmakers Push to Ban Officials from Private Schools, Hospitals — Chaos Ensues

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on July 27th, 2025.

The Nigerian House of Representatives has recently sparked a heated debate with the introduction of a new bill, HB 2487, sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah. The proposed legislation aims to prohibit public servants and their families from utilizing private schools and healthcare services. This move has elicited mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some hailing it as a bold step towards rebuilding public institutions, while others see it as an overreach of government power.

The bill, which passed its first reading on July 22, 2025, seeks to ensure that public officials rely solely on public education and medical services, with no exceptions for private or foreign facilities. According to Ogah, this move would help curb capital flight, which he claims amounts to a staggering $29 billion spent abroad for healthcare alone during the Buhari administration. He believes that by restricting public officials’ access to private services, they would be forced to rely on and improve the public systems, ultimately rebuilding the nation’s institutions.

Ogah also drew inspiration from Nigeria’s founding leaders, who were educated through public institutions. He argues that the current elite’s avoidance of public services is detrimental to national pride and performance. By making public officials use the same services as the general population, Ogah hopes to bridge the gap between the governing class and the citizens they serve.

However, not everyone is convinced by the merits of this bill. Online reactions have been intense, with many Nigerians expressing their reservations about the proposed legislation. Some argue that the government should focus on improving the healthcare system before restricting citizens’ choices. Others see this move as an attempt to strip away individual freedoms and impose undue hardship on public officials.

One Twitter user asked, “Why can’t they fix the healthcare system before retaining them?… Why must they strip away their choice to leave?” Another user chimed in, “The Nigerian polity is being swindled. Government that is not tackling corruption shouldn’t punish people.” These sentiments reflect the concerns of many Nigerians who feel that this bill is a misguided attempt to address the country’s systemic problems.

On the other hand, some Nigerians believe that this bill could be a game-changer. One user commented, “Imagine if politicians had to use public hospitals and schools, welfare systems would improve drastically.” This perspective suggests that by forcing public officials to rely on the same services as the general population, they would be more invested in improving these systems, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all Nigerians.

It’s worth noting that similar bills have been proposed in the past, but they have met with significant resistance. In 2019 and 2022, bills aimed at banning officials from funding foreign education or healthcare were struck down. Lawmakers at the time argued that such rules violated individual rights and discriminated unfairly against public officials.

The question remains: is this bill a necessary step towards holding officials accountable, or is it an overreach of government power? Some argue that by making public officials rely on public services, they would be more accountable to the people they serve. Others see this as a draconian measure that would unfairly punish public officials and their families.

Real reform might require a more nuanced approach. Rather than restricting individual choices, the government could focus on improving the quality of public services. This could involve increasing funding for public healthcare and education, as well as implementing policies that attract and retain top talent in these sectors.

Moreover, accountability mechanisms could be put in place to ensure that public officials are transparent in their dealings and are held responsible for any wrongdoing. This could include strengthening anti-corruption agencies, improving whistleblower protection, and increasing transparency in government contracting and procurement processes.

Ultimately, the success of this bill will depend on the extent to which it is debated, refined, and implemented. Nigerians deserve a government that is accountable, transparent, and responsive to their needs. Whether this bill achieves these goals remains to be seen.

As the debate rages on, it’s essential to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders involved. Public officials, citizens, and experts must come together to discuss the merits and demerits of this bill. By engaging in a constructive dialogue, Nigerians can work towards finding solutions that promote accountability, transparency, and good governance.

The fate of HB 2487 hangs in the balance, and Nigerians are eagerly watching to see how their elected representatives will navigate this complex issue. Will this bill be a step in the right direction towards rebuilding public institutions, or will it be struck down as an overreach of government power? Only time will tell.