The last couple of days have witnessed intensive debates about a certain bill named "Control of Infectious Diseases Bill 2020", which is questionably making steady progress in the House of Representatives. The contentious issues centre around the fact that the bill is a 'copy and paste' work originating from Singapore version of Infectious Disease Bill, which was enacted in a dictatorial era.

However, in this write-up I will move away from the debate on the content of bill to focus on the TIMING. It is my considered opinion that it is a wrong approach to legislate on a new Infectious Disease Bill in the middle of this COVID-19 pandemic especially as NCDC is having its first real outing as a statutory body.

I believe that the right thing to do is to rely on the old law to see out the raging battle against COVID-19. Then, craft a new Infectious Disease Act by drawing from the lessons of fight against COVID-19 arising from :
1. Field experiences of NCDC in fighting COVID-19 and its recommendations going forward.
2. The technical, operational, logistical and regulatory issues encountered by health professionals, volunteers, security agencies, media, etc. in the course of fight.
3. Local sociocultural peculiarities observed that need to be taken of for effective fight in future.
4. Public hearing of views of stakeholders such as CAN, NSCIA, MAN, NLC, relevant CSOs, etc.

That's the only way to have a truly Nigerian home-grown Bill.

Moreover, any Infectious Disease Bill that empowers Minister of Health and Director General of NCDC while shutting out State Governors has greatly fallen short of the sociopolitical realities of Nigeria as a federation. By virtue of ethnic or religious affinity with people of their states, State Governors have what it takes to make it extremely difficult for Health Minister or DG of NCDC to exercise their powers under this bill if passed. A good example here is the recent antagonistic disposition of Governor Wike towards FG in view of his powers to order a statewide lockdown.

From the foregoing, it is safe to say that copying and pasting Singapore legislation for Nigerian environment is utterly disrespectful to the country and respected Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila and co-sponsors should have known better. They should correct themselves immediately.

The lazy asses we voted to the house of reps are all bunch of intellectually lazy crooks! When all they can offer Nigeria is copy and paste government....

Dear Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, please be courageous and do the right thing. You are a progressive. Stepdown this bill and let's work towards a true Nigerian bill.
Thank you.