Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has signed 14 executive bills into law as part of efforts to strengthen governance, institutionalise reforms and expand the implementation of the ARISE Agenda across the state. Governor Eno assented to the bills at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, saying the new laws would provide legal […]
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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has signed 14 executive bills into law as part of efforts to strengthen governance, institutionalise reforms and expand the implementation of the ARISE Agenda across the state.
Governor Eno assented to the bills at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, saying the new laws would provide legal backing for key institutions, address existing policy gaps and ensure continuity of programmes designed to improve the welfare of residents.
Among the new laws is the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Geographical Information Service, AKWA-GIS, to modernise land administration and simplify land verification, acquisition and transfer processes.
Other laws establish the 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.
The governor also signed amendments to the Hospitals Management Board Law, decentralising hospital administration through zonal management boards and providing for district hospitals to improve healthcare delivery.
Governor Eno disclosed plans to redeploy medical doctors currently serving in administrative positions back to clinical practice, noting the importance of maintaining professional medical practice and improving patient care.
He said the Public Procurement Regulatory Agency would further strengthen transparency and accountability in government procurement, while the Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency would regulate operators, protect residents from fraudulent activities and ensure compliance with existing laws.
The governor also announced plans to send an Environmental Sanitation Bill to the State House of Assembly to strengthen environmental enforcement. The proposed legislation would empower the government to clean neglected premises, recover the cost from property owners and seal affected properties where necessary.
Additional health sector reform bills are also expected to be forwarded to the Assembly as part of efforts to reposition healthcare delivery across the state.
Governor Eno commended the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, lawmakers and other officials for the cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.
The Speaker described the legislation as one of the most significant packages considered by the current Assembly, saying the laws would positively affect governance, healthcare, economic development and public service delivery.
He particularly highlighted the amendment to the Hospitals Management Board Law, saying the establishment of zonal hospital management boards would improve healthcare administration and service delivery.
The signing of the 14 bills represents a major legislative reform package by the state government, with the new laws expected to strengthen public institutions, improve service delivery, enhance transparency and support socio-economic development across Akwa Ibom State.
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