The governor of Kogi State, north-central region, Nigeria Ahmed Usman Ododo has signed seven (7) transformational bills into law, which were earlier passed by the Kogi 8th legislative parliament to facilitate economic growth and engender development in all sectors of the State.
The signing ceremony was held on Friday at the Government House in Lokoja, the State’s capital where the governor expressed his profound gratitude to the Speaker of the House Aliyu Umar Yusuf, members and other principal officers for their dedication to passing landmark laws describing it as “a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to good governance, he said.
Governor Ododo reaffirms his commitment to implementing laws that will move the State forward “These laws are not just mere words on paper; they are bold steps toward reshaping critical sectors of our development journey, from oil-producing community advancement to electoral reform, land management, environmental protection, and urban regulation.
The State Oil Producing Area Development Commission Law would ensure that oil-bearing communities in the state now benefit from a more transparent, structured, and impactful development framework.
The bills assented to by the governor.
He explained in details the importance and functions of the bills which are : Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion, and Market Development Agency Law which focuses on supporting and promoting commodity export, exchange, market development and maintaining agricultural value chain.
He said the Kogi State oil producing area development commission law is to scale up oil production and increase internal generated revenue, law to restrict movement of heavy-duty trucks within Lokoja metropolis, was signed to restore order, reduce accidents, and improve the flow of traffic in the city.
He said the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) Law, would provide a stronger legal foundation for transparent, credible, and inclusive local government election, he also signed into law, the establishment of the Kogi State Bureau of Lands, created to modernise land administration, eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks in land acquisition
Also, the Kogi State Climate Change Agency is set to cushion the effect of climate change on the citizens and encourage the use of green energy and lastly he signed Kogi State Emergency management Agency Law.
Responsible leadership
The governor concluded by reaffirming his dedication to responsible leadership that places the people at the center of every decision, stating that the true measure of governance lies in the lives it transforms.
The Speaker, Aliyu Umar commended the Governor for his development strides in the state, to remain committed to implementing all laws and he seized the opportunity to appeal to the governor to help digitise the House of Assembly Complex, in order to enhance their administrative efficiency.
He hinted that two other bills are ready to be sent for his assent.
Lateefah Ibrahim