The House of Representatives has issued an urgent call for federal intervention to address a worsening cholera outbreak in Badagry West, Lagos State, which has already resulted in multiple fatalities and threatens to escalate into a wider public health crisis.

The appeal came following a motion presented by Sesi Whingan on the floor of the House, prompting lawmakers to observe a minute of silence in honor of those who have lost their lives to the disease.

In response to the crisis, the House has directed the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to immediately deploy disease surveillance teams, essential medical supplies, and launch public health education campaigns in the affected communities, particularly in the Zongo and Seme axis of Badagry West LCDA.

During his presentation, Whingan described the situation as "a looming public health disaster that demands urgent national attention," highlighting that women and children are suffering severe cholera symptoms due to contaminated water, poor sanitation, and a collapsed healthcare system.

"The House is alarmed that a four-year power outage has crippled water systems, vaccine storage, and health facilities, directly fuelling the spread of cholera," Whingan stated, adding that the relocation of the Nigerian Air Force Mother and Child Care Hospital has further exacerbated the healthcare crisis in the area.

The lawmaker expressed fear that without immediate intervention from both federal and Lagos State authorities, the outbreak could spread nationwide, putting countless lives at risk. He also noted that the current situation violates Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates the welfare of the people as a primary responsibility of government.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Whingan and fellow lawmakers acknowledged the commendable efforts of local health workers and volunteers who are risking their lives to combat the outbreak.

To strengthen the response, the House has urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development to provide immediate relief materials, including potable water and improved sanitation infrastructure. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been directed to distribute water purification tablets, disinfectants, and sanitary kits to prevent further infections.

Recognizing the critical role of electricity in maintaining healthcare services, the lawmakers also called on the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to restore power supply to Badagry West LCDA, which has been without electricity for four years. This restoration is deemed essential for reactivating water supply systems and health centers in the area.

The House has mandated its joint Committees on Healthcare Services, Power, Rural Electrification, and Emergency Preparedness to visit the affected communities, assess the impact of the outbreak, verify power restoration efforts, and investigate the relocation of health facilities. The committees are expected to report back to the House within three weeks.

Public health experts have warned that cholera, a waterborne disease, can spread rapidly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water, making immediate intervention critical to preventing a larger outbreak.