The Yobe State House of Assembly has adopted the report of its ad-hoc committee on a bill that seeks to make premarital testing for hemoglobin genotype and viral hepatitis compulsory for all intending couples in the state.
The bill also aims to repeal and re-enact an earlier anti-stigmatization law to better address public health concerns, especially sickle cell disease and hepatitis, which are widespread in the region.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Kachalla Maina, said the proposed law is timely, noting that Nigeria has over 40 million people living with sickle cell disease, with Yobe State recording one of the highest figures in the country.
According to him, the bill recommends strict penalties for violations. Any Imam or pastor who conducts a wedding without an official genotype result from a recognized health facility will face two years in prison or a fine of N200,000. Health workers found guilty of issuing fake test results could face three years in jail or a N500,000 fine.
The House also urged the state government to direct the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to include sickle cell education in school curricula and ensure genotype results are attached to primary school certificates.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Chiroma Buba Mashio, praised the committee for its work, saying the bill will help reduce the spread of sickle cell and hepatitis in Yobe communities.
The move is seen as a bold step toward addressing preventable health issues and promoting informed marital decisions in the state.
