The Health and Human Services Committee of the Bauchi State House of Assembly has organized a public hearing on a bill that seeks to ban unsafe childbirth practices, improve the management of pregnancy emergencies and complications, as well as regulate blood transfusion services.
The bill is sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abubakar and Suleiman.
The public hearing was held at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Center (ICC), Bauchi, under the theme: “Safe Motherhood and Quality Healthcare for All in Bauchi State”, and brought together legislators, government officials, traditional rulers and religious leaders, health professionals, security agencies, civil society organizations and development partners.
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In his report, the Speaker said the bill was based on prevention, preparedness and protection, and emphasized that maternal deaths should not be considered inevitable.
He clarified that the legislation is not an attack on Traditional Midwives (PTA) or health workers, but rather seeks to define responsibilities, eliminate harmful practices and strengthen referral, emergency care and blood transfusion systems.
The Spokesperson also highlighted that effective implementation would require adequate funding, qualified personnel, functional referral systems, reliable blood banks, public information, monitoring and accountability, while commending Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for his investments in the health sector.
The President of the Health Commission, His Excellency. Dauda Lawal, representing Sade, said the bill would address loopholes in the emergency management of pregnancy and blood transfusions.
Health Commissioner Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam called for stronger institutional mechanisms to enforce the law, while the Emir of Darazo, Alhaji Ibrahim Babayo Mohammed, urged its swift passage, warning against deliveries by unskilled personnel.
The Police and the Judiciary also supported the initiative. ACP Yahya Abdulkadir, representing the Commissioner of Police, praised the Assembly, while the representative of the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Rabi Talatu Umar stressed that the law must be clear, practical and enforceable.
Subsequently, the Assembly extended the deadline for public presentations until Monday, August 24, 2026.
Health experts raised concerns about unsafe blood transfusions, inadequate prenatal care and unregulated birth practices. Prof. Abdulkarim Garba Mairiga, a CMD specialist at Bauchi Hospital, called for greater protection of pregnant women and licensing of healthcare facilities.
Civil society organizations revealed that only four of the 27 general hospitals in Bauchi have active blood banks, urging the Assembly to address the gap as a priority.
Representing UNICEF, Dr Oluseyi Olusunde called for better reporting on maternal, neonatal and child mortality, regulation of unregistered health facilities and compliance with minimum service standards.
The Nigerian Correctional Service, represented by Hayatu Faruk Alhaji, fully supported the bill, revealing that it has 26 female inmates in 14 detention centres. He called for correctional facilities to be recognized as vulnerable environments under the law and included in emergency referrals, safe blood supply, free emergency maternal care and relevant training.
The hearing concluded with broad consensus that the proposed law could help reduce preventable maternal and neonatal deaths, provided it is supported by effective implementation, adequate resources, public education, and strong institutional cooperation..
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