In a major legislative milestone aimed at reinforcing governance and driving institutional reforms, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has signed 14 executive bills into law.
The Governor assented to the bills during a ceremony at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, describing the legislative action as a crucial step toward expanding the dividends of the ARISE Agenda.
According to Governor Eno, the newly enacted laws are strategically designed to provide necessary legal backing for critical state institutions, close existing policy gaps, and guarantee the seamless continuity of developmental programmes focused on the welfare of citizens.
The wide-ranging legislation covers key sectors including land administration, public health, social welfare, tourism, and regulatory oversight.
Among the prominent statutes are laws establishing the Akwa Ibom State Geographical Information Service (AKWA-GIS) to modernise land administration, the Senior Citizens Centre to institutionalize welfare for the elderly, and the Hotels and Tourism Development Commission to drive tourism and regulate industry standards.
Other vital creations include 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.
In addition to establishing new agencies, the Governor assented to crucial amendments to the Hospitals Management Board Law.
This reform decentralises hospital administration into zonal management boards and establishes district hospitals to significantly improve efficiency and healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
Further demonstrating his administration’s commitment to optimal public service delivery, Governor Eno announced plans to redeploy medical doctors currently serving in administrative capacities back into active clinical practice.
He emphasized that prolonged absence from direct medical practice could adversely affect overall service delivery and patient safety across state-managed health facilities.
