Governor Otu signs 9 bills into law – Converseer

CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has signed nine bills into law.

The new laws are expected to strengthen governance, improve service delivery, and drive development across key sectors in the state.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Otu commended the legislature for its dedication and responsiveness over the past two years.

“We assumed office in a tough economic climate marked by inflation and limited access to funds, yet we’ve managed to stay focused. These laws will directly improve governance and service delivery. We’ve ordered three new fire trucks, unlocked ₦4.5 billion for rural roads, and restructured the security trust fund for better oversight. Each of these laws pushes Cross River forward,” he said.

Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, praised the Governor’s performance and confirmed the Assembly’s endorsement of his second-term bid.

“Your leadership has been exemplary. In just two years, the 10th Assembly has passed 30 bills and 87 resolutions, with more than half implemented. The 9th Assembly couldn’t match that. We are proud of what we’ve achieved together and fully endorse your re-election,” Ayambem said.

The endorsement motion was moved by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sylvester Agabi, and supported by the Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Davis Ettah, symbolising a strong partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.

Below are the nine laws:

1. Cross River State Water Supply and Sanitation Law No. 5 of 2024: Guarantees citizens’ access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. It also sets up a regulatory framework for the sector.

2. Cross River State Fire Fighting and Rescue Service Law No. 4 of 2024: Enhances emergency response operations and contributes to increasing the state’s internally generated revenue.

3. Cross River State Security Trust Fund (Amendment) Law No. 6 of 2024: Empowers the Governor to appoint a qualified person as chairman to lead the Fund, ensuring better focus on the state’s security challenges.

4. Cross River State Scraps Regulatory Agency (Amendment) Law No. 9 of 2025: Aims to curb the activities of scavengers and vandals targeting public and private property.

5. Cross River State Rural Access Road Authority Law No. 8 of 2025: Seeks to prevent the neglect of vital rural routes, particularly those linking farming communities.

6. Cross River State Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA) (Amendment) Law of 2024: Clarifies key functions and addresses revenue-related overlaps, particularly in motor vehicle licensing.

7. Cross River State Records and Archive Bureau Law No. 7 of 2024: Establishes an agency to manage and archive critical state documents.

8. Cross River State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency Law No. 10 of 2025: Strengthens the supply of medical essentials to both public and private healthcare facilities while encouraging public-private partnerships.

9. Cross River State Forestry Research Institute Law No. 6 of 2024: Creates an institution dedicated to forestry and environmental research, supporting both academic development and sustainable resource management.