In a sweeping legislative move aimed at enhancing infrastructure and public welfare, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has signed nine critical bills into law. The newly enacted legislation focuses on expanding access to clean water, improving public security, and strengthening institutional frameworks across the state.
At a ceremony held in Calabar on Tuesday, Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable development and inclusive governance. He described the new laws as “instruments of transformation” that will directly impact the lives of Cross Riverians.
Among the bills signed is a law establishing the Cross River State Small Towns, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency — a pivotal step in addressing the perennial issue of water scarcity in rural and semi-urban communities. The law provides for coordinated planning, implementation, and maintenance of water and sanitation projects in underserved areas.
Also included is legislation to support improved security measures, with provisions aimed at enhancing community policing structures and streamlining inter-agency cooperation. Governor Otu emphasized the urgency of fortifying the state’s security architecture in light of growing safety concerns.
Additional laws passed cover diverse sectors such as urban development, environmental protection, and institutional restructuring — all aimed at positioning Cross River as a model of responsive governance in Nigeria.
Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, praised the collaborative efforts between the executive and legislative arms, noting that the bills reflect the voices and needs of the people.
Stakeholders have widely welcomed the new laws, hailing them as a blueprint for equitable development and improved service delivery in the state.
