Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has signed 14 executive bills into law
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has signed 14 executive bills into law, describing the move as a major step toward strengthening institutions, improving public services and advancing his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
The governor assented to the bills on Tuesday at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, saying the new laws would provide the legal foundation needed to close gaps in governance and sustain development programmes across the state.
“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, ” he said.
The new legislation establishes several key agencies and institutions, including the Akwa Ibom State Geographical Information Service (AKWA-GIS), aimed at modernising land administration and simplifying land-related processes.
Other institutions created through the laws include the Senior Citizens Centre to strengthen support for elderly residents, the Hotels and Tourism Development Commission to regulate the tourism sector, and the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation to reposition the state-owned media organisation.
The governor also approved laws establishing the 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.
Speaking on healthcare reforms, Eno said amendments to the Hospitals Management Board Law would improve administration by introducing zonal management boards and strengthening district hospitals.
He also announced plans to return medical doctors currently occupying administrative roles to clinical duties, noting that keeping experienced doctors away from patient care could affect healthcare delivery.
On public spending, the governor said the Procurement Regulatory Agency would promote transparency and accountability, while the Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency would ensure proper regulation of operators.
“This is a regulatory agency. As a pastor, I believe in law and order. I do not encourage betting, but where it exists, it must be properly regulated, ” he said.
Eno also disclosed plans to introduce an Environmental Sanitation Bill aimed at improving cleanliness across the state.
He said the proposed law would allow government intervention in neglected properties while ensuring owners take responsibility for maintaining their premises.
The governor said the partnership between the executive and legislative arms would continue to drive reforms designed to improve the lives of Akwa Ibom residents.
The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, described the legislative package as one of the most significant passed by the current assembly, saying the laws would positively impact governance, healthcare, economic growth and public service delivery.
