HELC presented a comprehensive report on the legal analysis and mapping of legal authorities related to the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) within the Nigerian Law specifically for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The report was validated during a meeting chaired by Dr. Doris John, the FCT Epidemiologist, on May 18, 2022.
The FCT holds a unique position as it functions both as a state and follows federal laws in the absence of specific laws enacted for the FCT. The report provides an overview of the legislation within the FCT, their objectives, and their relationship to the IHR. The analysis employed the 12 Characteristics of Effective Public Health Emergency Laws as a framework to evaluate their effectiveness in addressing public health emergencies.
The report highlights several areas where the existing laws in the FCT exhibit loopholes or gaps. For example, the absence of a comprehensive surveillance and notification system, limited collaboration with the federal government in responding to public health emergencies, insufficient protection of human rights, and inadequate data security in the implementation of public health measures as stipulated by the IHR.
The validation process of the report holds significant importance as it ensures conformity with the requirements of the IHR. The validation report for the FCT provides recommendations for reviewing specific clauses within the legislation under analysis, with a particular focus on the Public Health Act. It suggests that the Act be replaced with a new, comprehensive bill that addresses the identified gaps and aligns with the IHR requirements.
By conducting this validation, HELC aims to facilitate the necessary revisions and amendments to enhance the legal framework within the FCT. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the FCT has robust legislation that effectively addresses public health emergencies and aligns with international standards set by the IHR.
