Benue State House of Assembly
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Lawyers Alert and Media Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria, MHR, have commended the Benue State House of Assembly for taking steps to strengthen the state’s response to tuberculosis, and protect the rights of persons affected by the disease.
This followed the passage of the Tuberculosis Elimination, Human Rights Protection and Anti-Discrimination Bill, 2026, during plenary, sponsored by Gabo Simon, representing Mata State Constituency.
In a joint statement, the President of Lawyers Alert, Rommy Mom and the Executive of MHR, Alu Azege said the Bill brings health and human rights dimensions of TB into legislative conversation in the state.
Lawyers Alert and MHR are implementing the Law, Rights and Community Empowerment for Social Change in TB, HIV and Malaria Response project, funded by the Gender Equality Fund, which seeks to strengthen community engagement, human rights protection and policy advocacy.
According to the groups, TB is not only a medical concern, noting that people affected by the disease can experience stigma, discrimination, barriers to healthcare, negative attitudes in health facilities, and challenges accessing essential medicines and services.
“The response to tuberculosis must go beyond treatment to also address the rights and dignity of people affected by the disease, and the Bill demonstrates the value of responsive legislation in addressing public health concerns”
The organisations commended Gabo Simon for sponsoring the Bill and creating an opportunity for TB elimination, human rights protection and anti-discrimination to be considered together.
They said for persons affected by TB, the legislative process is about whether people can seek healthcare without fear of stigma, access services, continue their livelihoods and participate fully in communities without discrimination.
While noting that the passage marks an important beginning, the groups said more work remains as the Bill awaits assent, and called for continued engagement with persons affected by TB, healthcare workers, policymakers and civil society to ensure the law responds to community realities.
Lawyers Alert and MHR reaffirmed their commitment to supporting community participation and human rights-centred approaches to TB, HIV and malaria responses in Nigeria.
