RismadarVoice Reporters
October 29, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called on the state government to prohibit unauthorised trading, hawking, vending and farming within public healthcare facilities to improve sanitation, protect patients and maintain safe hospital environments.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Urue Offong/Oruko State Constituency, Hon. Precious Selong, and seconded by Hon. Udobia Udo, representing Esit Eket State Constituency, during Wednesday’s plenary in Uyo.
The lawmakers expressed concern that unregulated commercial and agricultural activities within hospital premises could undermine hygiene standards, expose patients to health risks and interfere with effective healthcare delivery.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Moses Essien, representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, urged medical superintendents, the Commissioner for Health and other responsible officials to strengthen supervision of healthcare facilities.
Essien stressed the need to prevent unauthorised medical activities and ensure that healthcare environments remained safe for patients, workers and visitors.
Similarly, Hon. Prince Akpabio raised concerns about farming activities within primary healthcare centres, warning that such practices could compromise sanitation and create avoidable health hazards.
Following deliberations, the Assembly urged the state government, through the Ministry of Health, to enforce restrictions on unauthorised farming, trading, hawking and vending within public hospital premises and wards.
The lawmakers also called on the Hospital Management Board to strengthen sanitation, waste disposal and environmental management practices across public healthcare facilities.
They maintained that hospitals should provide clean, orderly and peaceful environments conducive to patients’ recovery and effective medical treatment.
The Assembly further urged the government to introduce public enlightenment campaigns on the dangers of purchasing medicines and other medical products from unauthorised vendors operating within hospital premises.
According to the lawmakers, patients and visitors should be encouraged to obtain medications through approved channels to reduce exposure to potentially unsafe or improperly handled products.
The House commended Governor Umo Eno’s administration for investments in healthcare infrastructure and called for stronger regulation and facility management to protect those investments.
It also mandated its Committee on Health to monitor compliance with the resolutions and assess their implementation across public health institutions.
The resolution represents a legislative call for government action rather than confirmation that a new statewide prohibition has already taken effect.
Meanwhile, the Assembly adjourned plenary until Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at noon.
