Public Servants’ Private Preferences Under Fire: House of Reps Weighs Ban on Private Facilities
The House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards revitalizing Nigeria’s Public Education and Health Sectors by passing a bill that seeks to prohibit Public and Civil Servants, including their immediate families, from patronizing Private Schools and Healthcare Facilities.
The Private Institutions and Health Care Service Providers (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Hon. Amobi Ogah, aims to restore confidence in Public Institutions and eliminate conflict of interest in service delivery by Public Officials. According to Ogah, the bill is designed to promote National integrity and sustainability by compelling Government Officials to utilize and improve public facilities.
“The time for us all to tell ourselves the truth is now,” Ogah declared. “We can no longer continue to inflict serious damage to the psyche of Nigerians.” He emphasized that the persistent reliance on private services has contributed to the decay of public institutions, highlighting that Nigerians spent at least $29.29 billion on foreign medical expenses during the eight-year administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ogah also noted that despite allocating N1.336 trillion to healthcare in the 2024 budget, Nigerians still spend over $1 billion annually on medical treatments abroad. “It does not speak well of our Country that our Presidents and notable Government functionaries are seen to be going abroad for medical treatment—and even dying in the process,” he said.
The bill’s proponents believe that this move will restore dignity to Nigeria’s Public Schools and Hospitals, stem the outflow of funds, and promote National Integrity and Sustainability. “This bill is not just about law; it is about National renewal,” Ogah emphasized. “It is time to end medical and educational tourism among Government Officials and redirect our energies toward rebuilding what we have.”
As the bill progresses to the committee stage for further scrutiny, stakeholders and the general public will be closely watching the developments. If passed, it could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to improve Public Education and Healthcare.
