The Nigerian Governors Forum has asked the National Assembly to step down the Infectious Disease Bill to allow for wider consultations with stakeholders.

It also set up a three- member committee made up of governors Aminu Masari (Katsina ) , Aminu Tambuwal ( Sokoto ) and Simon Lalong ( Plateau ) to meet with the leadership of the National Assembly over the issue.

This was contained in a communique signed by the Chairman of the forum , Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State , after the 8 th COVID- 19 teleconference meeting of the NGF .

It read in part, “ Following an update from the Governor of Sokoto State and Vice Chairman of the NGF, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on the proposed Control of Infectious Diseases Bill , 2020 introduced by the House of Representatives , Governors raised concern with the lack of consultation with State governments who are at the forefront of the epidemic .

“ The Forum resolved that the Bill should be stepped down until an appropriate consultative process is held , including a public hearing to gather public opinion and concerns.

“ In the light of this , the Forum established a Committee comprising the Governors of Katsina , Sokoto , and Plateau to lead a consultative meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly on the proposed Control of Infectious Diseases Bill, 2020 . The NGF Secretariat was also mandated to comprehensively review the Bill and its implication on States . ”

The governors , who also expressed concerns over the rising cases of COVID- 19 cases across the nation, resolved to among other things , work in collaboration with the Dangote Foundation to set up and train a volunteer health workforce and increase the tempo of setting up isolation centres .

They also resolved to make available additional warehouses to store palliatives donated by the private sector and ensure that such donations get to the most vulnerable people in each state .

The governors also agreed to take additional measures to strengthen their public financial management systems, including a revision of their 2020 budgets and the amendment of State procurement guidelines to support e – procurement and the participation of small and medium -sized enterprises .