Gov Bassey Otu of Cross River, on Tuesda, assented to three bills intended to improve the socio-cultural, infrastructural and economic condition of the state into laws.
The laws include the State Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law, 2025, the Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, 2025, and the State Senior Citizens Centre Law, 2025.
In a speech after appending his signatures to the bills at the Government House in Calabar, Otu described the legislations as timely and strategic.
He emphasised that they aligned with his government’s development priorities.
“These laws are coming at the right time, and I would like to appreciate the Speaker of the House and the entire Assembly members for their good work.
“The Road Maintenance Agency Law ensures that our roads are constantly maintained and prioritised.
“The Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law is important because, without regulation, we are losing potential revenue.
“As for the Senior Citizens Centre, it is a crucial part of our welfarist policy because we are a people-first government, and we prioritise everyone,” the governor said.
Explaining the specifics of each law, the Speaker of the state Assembly, Mr Elvert Ayambem, said the Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law requires each of the 18 Local Government Councils to allocate four per cent of their monthly Federation Account receipts to the agency.
Ayambem said it would guarantee steady road repairs and maintenance throughout the state.
According to him, the Senior Citizens Centre Law seeks to establish a central facility in each of the three senatorial districts, beginning from the state capital, Calabar, to serve the needs of the vulnerable retirees and the aged.
He said that subsequently, sub-centres would be put in place in each local government headquarters to support vulnerable elderly residents.
“The Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law is in line with a recent Supreme Court ruling empowering states to regulate gaming activities.
“The law, which comprises 12 parts, 102 sections, and two schedules, creates a framework for managing, licensing, and generating revenue from the gaming sector in Cross River,” Ayambem said. (NAN)
