Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has signed 14 Executive Bills into law to strengthen governance, institutionalise reforms and advance the implementation of the state’s ARISE Agenda.
The new laws provide legal backing for key institutions and programmes aimed at improving public service delivery, transparency and the welfare of residents across the state.
Among the new legislations are laws establishing the Akwa Ibom State Geographical Information Service (AKWA-GIS), the Senior Citizens Centre, 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 signed amendments to the Hospitals Management Board Law, decentralising hospital administration into zonal management boards to improve healthcare delivery.
The governor disclosed plans to redeploy medical doctors currently serving in administrative positions back to clinical practice to strengthen healthcare services across the state.
He said the Public Procurement Regulatory Agency would enhance transparency and accountability in government spending, while the Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency would regulate operators and protect residents from fraudulent practices.
Governor Eno also announced plans to forward an Environmental Sanitation Bill to the State House of Assembly to strengthen environmental enforcement and promote cleaner communities across Akwa Ibom.
