The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill that seeks to prevent Nigerian-trained medical or dental practitioners from being granted full licenses until they have worked for a minimum of five years in the country.

The Medical and Dental Practitioners Act is intended to be modified by the bill, which is sponsored by Ganiyu Johnson. On Thursday, it was discussed and given a second reading.

Johnson, who led the discussion on the bill, told the House that it was only reasonable for doctors to “give back to the society” after receiving taxpayer funding for their education.

Uzoma Abonta of Abia State rejected the law, claiming that it “would be like enslavement.” Notwithstanding Abonta’s argument, the bill was passed on second reading and sent to the committee overseeing health services.