By : Julian Adetinuyo
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), in collaboration with Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), has launched the Subnational Legal Assessment Workshop in Abuja, aimed at transforming state-level public health laws to meet global standards.
The four-day event, running from November 25 to 28, 2024, convenes legal experts, public health officials, and representatives from nine northern states to review and modernize laws essential for health crisis preparedness and compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005.
The workshop introduces the Subnational Legal Assessment Tool, an innovation by the NCDC and RTSL designed to help states systematically review their public health laws, identify gaps, and implement targeted reforms to strengthen their systems.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Safiya Musa, Legal Adviser at the NCDC, highlighted the workshop’s transformative potential: “This is a defining moment for public health in Nigeria. Strong legal frameworks are the foundation of our ability to protect lives and respond effectively to emergencies. Through this workshop, we are empowering states to align their laws with international and national health security standards.”
RTSL Senior Legal Advisor, Emem Udoh, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Legal preparedness is the cornerstone of effective public health systems. This workshop is a collaborative effort to address systemic weaknesses, build stronger legal frameworks, and ensure every Nigerian is protected. By equipping states with practical tools and actionable insights, we are forging a unified and resilient health security framework.”
A Collaborative Approach to Public Health Reform
The workshop features participants from nine northern states—Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara—who are undertaking a comprehensive review of their public health laws. Key focus areas include disease surveillance, emergency response, risk communication, and health system governance.
Public health law expert Barrister Aniekan Akpan, described the initiative as unprecedented: “By working directly with states, we’re not just identifying gaps; we’re co-creating solutions. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about empowering states to safeguard public health and build sustainable legal systems.”
State representatives in their submissions, recognized the importance of reforming outdated public health laws. Barrister Hamza Suleiman Mashegu from Niger State remarked:
“This workshop has been an eye-opener. It’s clear that our public health laws require urgent updates, and the tools we’re learning about will guide us in driving impactful changes. This is about protecting our communities, not just meeting international standards.”
Progress, Challenges, and Future Goals
The NCDC’s commitment to public health reform has already yielded results in states like Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Ogun, and Enugu, where legal assessments and legislative actions have paved the way for significant improvements. Despite this progress, many Nigerian states have yet to undergo such assessments, leaving fragmented laws that impede compliance with IHR standards.
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