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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Tuberculosis (TB)-affected communities, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and development partners have welcomed the passage of the Tuberculosis Rights Bill at its second reading in the House of Representatives, describing it as a major step towards protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerians living with and affected by the disease.
The Bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Make Provision for the Prevention of TB-Based Discrimination and Protect the Fundamental Human Rights and Dignity of People Living with and Affected by TB,” was sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on AIDS, TB and Malaria, Hon. Amobi Ogah, alongside 12 other lawmakers, and was considered during plenary on June 9, 2026.
In a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi on Thursday, the stakeholders described the second reading as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to address the human rights and social barriers that continue to hinder access to TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and support services.
They noted that ending tuberculosis requires not only medical interventions but also legal and social protections, stressing that many affected persons still face stigma, discrimination, exclusion and violations of their fundamental rights.
The President of Lawyers Alert, Dr Rommy Mom, described the development as an important step towards ensuring justice and dignity for people affected by tuberculosis, and called for meaningful community participation during the public hearing process.
He said: “This milestone demonstrates that the voices of TB survivors and affected communities are being heard. However, the most important work lies ahead.
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“We must ensure that communities remain meaningfully engaged throughout the public hearing process and that the final legislation reflects the needs, rights, and experiences of those most affected by tuberculosis.”
TB survivor and advocate Francis Ubong said the Bill reflects a commitment that no Nigerian should be denied dignity, care or opportunity because of tuberculosis, expressing optimism that it would help address stigma and discrimination.
On her part, the Director of Programmes at the Global TB Caucus and Executive Director of the Debriche Health Development Centre, Deborah Ikeh, said the development demonstrates a strong political commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and accelerating progress towards ending TB in Nigeria.
As the Bill moves to the relevant committee for further consideration and a public hearing, the stakeholders have urged government institutions, development partners, donors, professional bodies, the media and the public to support meaningful community engagement throughout the legislative process.
They maintained that community-led participation would help ensure that the final legislation is inclusive, responsive and capable of addressing the social and structural barriers fuelling the TB epidemic in Nigeria, while strengthening accountability and combating discrimination.
The statement reiterated that the proposed legislation seeks to establish legal protections for people living with and affected by TB, and improve access to healthcare services without fear of discrimination.
The Bill is the outcome of years of advocacy by TB survivors, civil society groups, health professionals, legal experts and development partners, with support from the Stop TB Partnership, the Global Fund Nigeria, Lawyers Alert Nigeria and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme.
