The House of Representatives is considering a bill that seeks to ban public and civil servants, along with their immediate family members, from using private schools and healthcare facilities.
READ ALSO: House of Reps Committee proposes creation of 31 new states
The bill, put forward by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah of the Labour Party representing Abia, is titled the “Private Institutions and Health Care Service Providers (Prohibition) Bill, 2025” (HB.2487) and passed its first reading on Tuesday. The proposed legislation aims to promote integrity in public service, eliminate conflicts of interest, and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s health and education sectors.
Ogah argued that continued reliance on private and foreign institutions by government officials weakens the development of public facilities, despite significant national funding. In 2024 alone, Nigeria allocated N1.336 trillion to healthcare, while citizens spent an estimated N1.6 trillion on medical treatments abroad. During former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, Nigerians reportedly spent at least $29.29 billion on foreign medical care.
Similarly, in the education sector, $38.17 million was spent on foreign education between January and March 2024, with $218.87 million expended in 2023.
Calling for public support, Ogah said the bill encourages patriotism and will help reposition Nigeria’s public institutions while boosting the nation’s image globally.
