National TB Rights Bill: Lawyers Alert Pushes for Presidential, Gubernatorial Assent

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Lawyers Alert has applauded the passage of the National Tuberculosis (TB) Rights Bill by the National Assembly, describing it as a significant step towards safeguarding the rights and dignity of people affected by the disease.

The organisation said the passage of the Bill on Thursday, November 12, 2026, marked a major milestone in advancing human rights, public health and social justice in the country.

Sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, the Bill seeks to protect people affected by TB from discrimination, stigma, social exclusion and violations of their privacy.

In a statement signed by its President, Dr Rommy Mom, and issued to newsmen in Makurdi, the organisation said the legislation would strengthen access to healthcare and justice while promoting equality and accountability in Nigeria’s response to tuberculosis.

Mom regretted that “For too long, persons affected by TB have experienced discrimination, social exclusion, breaches of confidentiality, loss of livelihood and rejection within families and communities.

“These violations not only undermine their fundamental rights but also create barriers to early diagnosis, treatment adherence and effective TB control.

The passage of this Bill recognises that ending tuberculosis requires not only medical interventions but also laws and institutions that protect the rights and dignity of affected persons.”

Lawyers Alert disclosed that it contributed to the passage of the Bill through sustained advocacy, legal support, stakeholder consultations and community mobilisation, working alongside TB communities, civil society organisations and development partners.

Mom commended Ogah, the National Assembly, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, Stop TB Partnership, the Global Fund and other development partners for their contributions to the legislative process.

He also called on President Bola Tinubu to give prompt assent to the national legislation, while urging Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to assent to the state’s TB Anti-Stigma Bill to ensure effective implementation and protection of affected persons.
Mom emphasised that the passage of the legislation must translate into practical protection against discrimination and improved access to healthcare and justice for people affected by tuberculosis.

While the TB Rights Bill seeks to protect patients against discrimination in workplaces and communities, Lawyers Alert said the passage of the National TB Rights Bill would provide legal protection against discrimination, social exclusion and denial of opportunities based on their health status.

He explained that the legislation would help address situations where people affected by TB lose their livelihoods, face rejection from family members or experience discrimination within their communities.

He described the achievement as the outcome of collective commitment, sustained advocacy and strategic partnerships, appreciating the National Assembly, particularly the relevant committees and lawmakers, for their engagement and consideration of the Bill.

He, however, maintained that “While the passage of the Bill is a significant milestone, the journey towards effective legal protection is not yet complete in the extent to which persons affected by tuberculosis (PATBs) can enjoy the rights and protections they seek to guarantee.

“Lawyers Alert therefore called for the prompt Presidential Assent to the Tuberculosis (TB) Anti-Discrimination Bill (National TB Rights Bill) and Gubernatorial Assent to the Benue State Tuberculosis (TB) Anti-Stigma Bill, paving the way for their effective implementation and enforcement.

“These legislative achievements must translate into tangible protections against stigma and discrimination, equitable access to healthcare, and effective remedies for human rights violations,” he added.