The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno has signed 14 Executive Bills into law to strengthen governance, drive institutional reforms, and advance the implementation of his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno said the new laws provide the legal framework needed to strengthen key institutions, address policy gaps, and sustain programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.
“These bills, fourteen in all, spanning all critical sectors, will help expand the gains of our ARISE Agenda, provide the legal backing to fill existing gaps with concrete actions and deepen our growth and development so we may spread more dividends of democracy across our society,” he said.
The newly enacted laws establish the Akwa Ibom State Geographical Information Service (AKWA-GIS), Senior Citizens Centre, Hotels and Tourism Development Commission, Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Systems Agency, Public Procurement Regulatory Agency, Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency, Fiscal Responsibility Board, Internal Revenue Service, Office of the Public Defender, Water Users Association, and the University of Education, Afaha Nsit.
Governor Eno also assented to amendments to the Hospitals Management Board Law, decentralising hospital administration into zonal management boards and providing for district hospitals to improve healthcare service delivery.
He disclosed plans to redeploy medical doctors currently serving in administrative positions back to clinical practice to strengthen healthcare services.
On the Public Procurement Regulatory Agency, he said “the legislation would reinforce transparency and accountability in government procurement, while clarifying that the Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency was created strictly to regulate operators and protect residents.”
Governor Eno further announced that an Environmental Sanitation Bill would soon be forwarded to the State House of Assembly to strengthen environmental enforcement, while additional health sector reform bills are also expected.
He commended the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, members of the legislature, and the Special Adviser on Legislative Affairs, Emmanuel Bassey, for their cooperation in advancing the legislative agenda.
