Gov Eno Signs 14 Bills Into Law To Strengthen Governance

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has signed 14 Executive Bills into law, describing the legislative package as a major milestone in his administration’s efforts to strengthen governance, institutionalise key reforms and deepen the implementation of the ARISE Agenda.

Governor Eno assented to the bills on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, saying the new laws provide the legal framework needed to strengthen public institutions, close policy gaps and sustain programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people.

“These bills, fourteen in all, spanning all critical sectors, will help expand the gains of our ARISE Agenda, provide the legal backing to fill existing gaps with concrete actions and deepen our growth and development so we may spread more dividends of democracy across our society,” the governor said.

The newly signed laws establish several strategic institutions, including the Akwa Ibom State Geographical Information Service (AKWA-GIS) to modernise land administration and simplify land verification, acquisition and transfer processes; the Senior Citizens Centre to institutionalise welfare programmes for the elderly; the Hotels and Tourism Development Commission to regulate standards and drive tourism development; and the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation to strengthen public broadcasting and position the state-owned station for commercial operations.

Other laws establish 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 into law amendments to the Hospitals Management Board Law, which decentralise hospital administration through zonal management boards and provide for district hospitals to improve healthcare delivery across the state.

He stated plans to redeploy medical doctors currently serving in administrative positions back to clinical practice, explaining that prolonged absence from patient care could affect service delivery and patient safety.

Speaking on the Public Procurement Regulatory Agency, Governor Eno said the law would strengthen transparency and accountability in public spending, noting that strict compliance with procurement procedures has contributed significantly to the success of his administration.

On the establishment of the Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency, the governor clarified that the law is intended to regulate operators, protect residents from fraudulent activities, and ensure compliance with existing laws.

“This is a regulatory agency. As a pastor, I believe in law and order. I do not encourage betting, but where it exists, it must be properly regulated,” the governor said.

Governor Eno also announced that an Environmental Sanitation Bill would soon be transmitted to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to strengthen environmental enforcement across the state.

According to him, the proposed legislation will empower the government to clean neglected premises, recover the cost from property owners, and seal affected premises where necessary.

He noted that Akwa Ibom has long enjoyed a reputation as one of Nigeria’s cleanest states and expressed confidence that stronger legislation would help preserve that reputation while complementing the efforts of the Ministry of Environment and the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA).

Governor Eno stated that additional health sector reform bills would soon be forwarded to the State House of Assembly as part of ongoing efforts to reposition healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom.

He commended the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, members of the Assembly and the Special Adviser on Legislative Affairs, Emmanuel Bassey, for what he described as the strong partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.

On his part, Otong described the package of legislation as one of the most significant considered by the 8th Assembly, noting that never before had the House passed such a large number of Executive Bills within a short period.

He said the laws are designed to improve governance, healthcare, economic development and public service delivery across the state.

The Speaker particularly praised the amendment to the Hospitals Management Board Law, describing the creation of zonal hospital management boards as a landmark reform that would improve healthcare administration and service delivery.

“These are all people-oriented bills that will affect the lives, the growth and the development of Akwa Ibom State. We will continue to work with the Executive to move the state forward,” he said.

The signing of the 14 Executive Bills represents one of the most extensive legislative reform packages under Governor Eno’s administration and is expected to strengthen public institutions, improve service delivery, enhance transparency and accelerate socio-economic development across Akwa Ibom State.