Governor Otu Signs Nine Bills into Law to Enhance Citizen Welfare

In a bid to improve the lives of Cross River State residents, Governor Bassey Otu has signed nine bills into law.

The newly signed laws aim to address pressing developmental needs, enhance security, and increase internally generated revenue.

The laws signed by Governor Otu include:

– *Water Supply and Sanitation Law*: Guarantees citizens’ access to basic water and sanitation services.

– *Fire Fighting and Rescue Service Law*: Enhances emergency response operations and contributes to increasing internally generated revenue.

– *Security Trust Fund (Amendment) Law*: Empowers the Governor to appoint a qualified person as chairman to lead the Fund.

– *Scraps Regulatory Agency (Amendment) Law*: Curbs the activities of scavengers and vandals targeting public and private property.

– *Rural Access Road Authority Law*: Prevents the neglect of vital rural routes.

– *Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (Amendment) Law*: Clarifies key functions and addresses revenue-related overlaps.

– *Records and Archives Bureau Law*: Establishes an agency to manage and archive critical state documents.

– *Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency Law*: Strengthens the supply of medical essentials to healthcare facilities.

– *Forestry Research Institute (Establishment) Law*: Creates an institution dedicated to forestry and environmental research.

During the signing ceremony, Governor Otu commended the legislature for their dedication and responsiveness. He noted that the new laws reflect his administration’s commitment to modernizing state governance and addressing pressing developmental needs.

The governor highlighted some of the achievements of his administration, including the procurement of three new fire trucks, unlocking ₦4.5 billion for rural roads, and restructuring the security trust fund. He emphasized that each of the new laws will push Cross River State forward.

The new laws are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of residents, improving access to basic services, enhancing security, and promoting economic growth. Governor Otu’s administration is focused on taking actions that directly benefit the people, and these new laws are a step in that direction.