Lawyers Alert Backs Benue TB Anti-Discrimination Bill

By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Human rights organisation Lawyers Alert has welcomed the progress of the Benue State Tuberculosis Elimination, Human Rights Protection and Anti-Discrimination Bill, 2026, describing it as an important step towards protecting people affected by tuberculosis from stigma and discrimination.

President of Lawyers Alert, Dr Rommy Mom, said people affected by tuberculosis (TB) often face discrimination in employment, education, healthcare and their communities, creating barriers to early diagnosis, treatment and social inclusion.

Mom spoke following the First Reading of the bill at the Benue State House of Assembly on September 24, 2026.

The bill, sponsored by Hon. Simon Gabo, Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Mata State Constituency in Ushongo Local Government Area, was subsequently referred to the House Standing Committee on Health for further legislative consideration.

According to Lawyers Alert, the proposed legislation is the outcome of sustained consultations involving lawmakers, TB survivors, affected communities, healthcare stakeholders, civil society groups and human rights organisations.

The organisation said the legislation recognises tuberculosis not only as a public health challenge but also as a human rights and social justice issue.

Explaining the rationale for the bill, Gabo said the legislation seeks to establish a strong legal framework for TB elimination while protecting the dignity and fundamental rights of affected persons.

“No person should lose employment, education, healthcare, livelihood or community acceptance simply because they have tuberculosis,” Gabo said.

He added that legislation should complement public health interventions by encouraging testing and treatment while tackling stigma and discrimination.

Mom commended Gabo and the Benue State House of Assembly for advancing the bill and involving people affected by TB in the legislative process.

“This First Reading is significant because it brings us closer to a Benue State where a diagnosis of tuberculosis does not translate into stigma, exclusion or loss of dignity,” he said.

Mom noted that ending TB requires effective medicines, diagnostics and strong healthcare systems alongside legal protections that remove barriers preventing people from seeking or continuing treatment.

He said the Benue initiative complements efforts at the federal level to establish a comprehensive legal framework for TB elimination and human rights protection in Nigeria.

Lawyers Alert called on lawmakers, government agencies, traditional and community leaders, healthcare workers, civil society organisations, development partners and people affected by TB to remain actively engaged as the bill progresses through subsequent legislative stages.