Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has signed 14 Executive Bills into law, describing the move as a major milestone in strengthening governance, institutionalising reforms and expanding the implementation of his administration’s ARISE Agenda. The bills, which were recently passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, cover key sectors including healthcare, education, land administration, tourism, revenue generation and public accountability.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno said the new laws would provide the legal framework needed to strengthen public institutions, close policy gaps and ensure the continuity of programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents. He commended the State House of Assembly for its speedy consideration and passage of the bills, describing the collaboration between the executive and legislature as crucial to the state’s development.
Among the newly enacted laws are those establishing the Akwa Ibom State Geographical Information Service (AKWA-GIS) to modernise land administration, the Senior Citizens Centre to improve welfare for the elderly, the Hotels and Tourism Development Commission, the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, the Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Systems Agency, the Public Procurement Regulatory Agency, the Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency, the Fiscal Responsibility Board, the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of the Public Defender, the 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 through zonal management boards and creating district hospitals to improve healthcare delivery. He disclosed plans to redeploy medical doctors serving in administrative positions back to clinical practice, stressing that prolonged absence from medical practice could negatively affect patient care.
The governor noted that the new procurement and fiscal responsibility laws would enhance transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources, while the betting and lottery legislation would regulate operators and protect residents from fraudulent activities. He expressed confidence that the comprehensive legislative package would accelerate socio-economic development and deepen the dividends of democracy across Akwa Ibom State.
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