Sh*ckwave In Yobe! Assembly Pushes Law To Force Genotype, Hepatitis Tests Before Marriage

The Yobe State House of Assembly has adopted the report of its ad-hoc committee on a bill aimed at repealing and re-enacting the state’s anti-stigmatisation law, which introduces mandatory premarital screening for haemoglobin genotype and viral hepatitis.

The report was adopted on Tuesday following detailed deliberations during plenary.

Committee Chairman, Hon. Kachalla Maina, stated that the bill, once enacted, would help curb the prevalence of sickle cell disease and viral hepatitis among prospective couples.

“Nigeria has an estimated 40 million people living with sickle cell disease, and Yobe State has one of the highest burdens. Legislative action is urgently needed,” he said.

Under the proposed law:

• Any Imam or pastor who officiates a wedding without certified haemoglobin genotype test results from an authorised medical facility could face two years in prison or a ₦200,000 fine.

• Health professionals found guilty of aiding couples or guardians in producing fraudulent test results may face three years imprisonment or a ₦500,000 fine.

Genotype Awareness in Schools

The Assembly also urged the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to integrate genotype and sickle cell education into both primary and secondary school curricula.
Additionally, lawmakers recommended that genotype status be included on primary school leaving certificates to promote early awareness.

Presiding Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chiroma Buba Mashio, commended the committee for its thorough work, describing the report as a crucial step toward disease prevention and public health improvement in the state.

The bill is now set for final consideration and passage based on the committee’s adopted recommendations.