Plateau Assembly Advances Bill to Fund Faith-Based Health Institutions

Timescope News 

The Plateau State House of Assembly has taken a major step toward expanding healthcare access by recommending the passage of a bill that would provide funding and support to approved faith-based health institutions across the state.

The recommendation came after the House Standing Committee on Health presented its report during Tuesday’s plenary. Deputy Chairman Hon. Daniel Nanbol Listick noted that the bill was initially referred to the committee on March 5, 2025, for legislative review.

According to the committee’s findings, a public hearing held on August 22, 2025, drew broad support from health sector stakeholders, who largely backed the proposal. The bill is designed to deliver compassionate, quality healthcare to all residents, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or economic background, while integrating spiritual care with conventional medical services.

The committee recommended several amendments aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability, particularly regarding local government contributions to faith-based facilities. Key provisions include empowering the health ministry to deregister underperforming institutions subject to Assembly confirmation and allowing faith-based representation during evaluations. Approved funds must be released within two months after assessments are completed.

The bill also proposes a minimum fine of ₦500,000 for institutions that violate its provisions, and stipulates that all directives must align with Federal Ministry of Health policies.

After the report was presented, the House reconvened as the Committee of the Whole, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Na'anlong Daniel, for clause-by-clause consideration. Lawmakers unanimously adopted the recommendations, and the Speaker directed the Clerk to prepare a clean copy for transmission to the Governor for assent.

The Health Committee is chaired by Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda, with Hon. Daniel Nanbol Listick as deputy. Other members include Hon. Kalamu Idris Dal, Hon. Aliyu Adamu, Hon. Joseph Gokum, Hon. Dickson Chollom, and Hon. Eli Ankala.