By Peter Jatau, Abuja, March 25, 2025
– The National Assembly witnessed a crucial deliberation on healthcare reform as Hon. Engr. Victor C. Obuzor, MNSE, DSSR, presented his landmark healthcare bill at a public hearing in the House of Representatives. The bill, focused on the promotion of eye care services and the establishment of a specialist institution for vision care, seeks to bridge critical gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
A Bill to Address Eye Care Deficiencies in Nigeria
In his presentation, Hon. Obuzor emphasized the dire need for a structured and specialized approach to eye care services in Nigeria. He pointed out that despite eye-related ailments affecting millions of Nigerians, the country lacks a dedicated college for the training of optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other vision care specialists. His bill proposes the establishment of such an institution to train professionals, provide cutting-edge research, and equip the healthcare sector with much-needed expertise.
“The lack of a holistic institution or college for specialist training has contributed to a shortage of qualified professionals in eye care,” Hon. Obuzor stated. “This bill aims to address this gap by creating a center of excellence for eye health, in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations on comprehensive vision care services.”
According to the WHO, at least 2.2 billion people globally suffer from vision impairment, with one billion cases being preventable or treatable. In Nigeria, eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and uncorrected refractive errors remain prevalent, yet access to specialized care remains limited, particularly in rural areas.
Economic and Social Impact of the Bill
Beyond improving eye health, the bill is expected to stimulate job creation and skills development. The establishment of a College of Health Institutions for Vision Care will provide young Nigerians with opportunities for specialized training, reducing dependency on foreign institutions for such education.
Hon. Obuzor also linked his proposed legislation to economic concerns, particularly in his constituency of Ahoada West, Ogba, and Nodni communities in Rivers State. He expressed deep concern over the environmental hazards caused by oil exploration, noting that these have significantly affected the eye health of residents in oil-rich communities.
“For decades, our people have suffered from exposure to gas flaring, pollution, and other harmful effects of oil exploration,” he said. “Many residents of my constituency experience vision problems due to long-term exposure to environmental hazards. This bill is not just about eye care—it is about justice and healthcare equity for the people of the Niger Delta.”
The lawmaker further argued that implementing the bill would help curb “Japa syndrome,” a term referring to the increasing emigration of Nigerian professionals due to poor working conditions and limited opportunities. “If we provide world-class training and employment opportunities here in Nigeria, we can retain our skilled professionals instead of losing them to other countries,” he noted.
Key Supporters and Stakeholder Contributions
The public hearing attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, medical professionals, and lawmakers, who voiced strong support for the bill.
Among the notable figures present were:
- HRH Eze Azubike Georgewill III, Eze Ali, Eze Ukwu of Ogba Land
- His Majesty Eze Arc. Nnamdi Obuzor, Eze Igbu Odiokwu I of Ahoada West LGA
- Paramount Ruler of Ancient Ezema Kingdom, Rivers State
Medical professionals also weighed in on the necessity of the bill. Dr. Amina Hassan Wale, a leading expert from the National Eye Centre Kaduna, emphasized that Nigeria’s eye care system has long been underfunded and understaffed, making the proposed institution a welcome development.
Dr. Obinna, Registrar of the Optometry Dispensing Optician Registration Board, and Dr. Agbontaen Adesuwa, President of the Guild of Optometric Directors of Nigeria, also voiced their support, stressing the urgency of specialized training for optometrists and eye care practitioners.
Distinguished Senator Wilson Ake commended Hon. Obuzor’s vision, acknowledging that the bill, if passed, would not only benefit Rivers State but also serve as a national model for comprehensive eye care development.
Next Steps: House Approval, Senate Concurrence, and Presidential Assent
With strong backing from various stakeholders, Hon. Obuzor remains optimistic that the bill will receive approval from the House of Representatives and concurrence from the Senate. If passed, it will be sent to the President for final assent, after which implementation will commence.
Beyond the immediate benefits for eye care, the bill aims to uplift primary healthcare across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ensuring equitable distribution of medical resources.
“The passage of this bill will mark a turning point in Nigeria’s healthcare sector,” Hon. Obuzor concluded. “It is time to ensure that quality eye care services are available to all Nigerians, not just a privileged few.”
As deliberations continue in the National Assembly, Nigerians eagerly anticipate a healthcare policy that will not only restore vision but also bring clarity to a brighter future for the nation.
