Akwa Ibom Assembly Receives 12 Executive Bills Targeting Governance, Revenue, Healthcare, Tourism, Elderly Welfare

 

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has received twelve executive bills transmitted by Governor Umo Eno, signaling a major legislative push aimed at strengthening governance institutions, improving public service delivery, enhancing revenue generation, and advancing socio-economic development across the state.

The bills were formally presented during plenary and read for the first time by the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikakabasi Orok. The motion to receive the Bills was moved by the House Leader, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Hon. Nsidibe Akata.

The twelve bills, which cover strategic sectors of governance and development, seek to establish new agencies, boards, commissions and regulatory bodies to drive the administration's development agenda.

Among the proposed legislations is a Bill to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency, which is expected to regulate betting and lottery operations within the state, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and generating revenue from the rapidly growing gaming industry.

Also presented was a Bill to Establish the Office of the Public Defender, Akwa Ibom State. The proposed law seeks to provide legal representation and support for indigent citizens who may be unable to afford legal services, thereby enhancing access to justice.

In the media sector, lawmakers received a Bill to Provide for the Establishment of the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation. The proposed corporation is expected to strengthen government-owned broadcasting services and expand information dissemination across the state.

To further boost internally generated revenue, the Assembly received a Bill to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service for efficient collection and administration of internal revenue. The legislation is expected to strengthen revenue mobilization mechanisms and improve fiscal sustainability.

The healthcare sector also featured prominently among the executive proposals. A Bill to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System Agency seeks to create a coordinated emergency response framework for the management of emergency care services across the state.

Similarly, lawmakers received a Bill to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Hospital Management Board (Amendment), aimed at strengthening the administration and management of public health institutions.

In a move designed to cater for the needs of the elderly population, the House received a Bill to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Senior Citizens Agency. The proposed agency will focus on the welfare, protection and support of senior citizens and address matters affecting their wellbeing.

The tourism sector is also set for a significant boost with the presentation of a Bill to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Development Commission. The commission is expected to regulate, promote and develop tourism-related activities and hospitality investments within the state.

To reinforce fiscal discipline and accountability in public finance management, the Assembly received a Bill to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Fiscal Responsibility Board. The proposed board is expected to promote prudent management of public resources and ensure compliance with fiscal responsibility principles.

Another key proposal is a Bill to Establish the DAKADDA Skills Acquisition Center, which is aimed at enhancing vocational training, entrepreneurship development and youth empowerment through structured skills acquisition programmes.

Lawmakers also received a Bill to Make Provision for the Establishment of Akwa Ibom State Geographic Information Services. The legislation seeks to provide a framework for modern land administration, geospatial data management and digital mapping services within the state.

Completing the list of executive proposals is a Bill to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Public Procurement Regulations Agency, which is expected to strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency in public procurement processes.

Following the first reading of the bills, Speaker of the House, Elder Udeme Otong, who presided over plenary, referred all twelve bills to the House Committee on Rules, Business and Privileges for scheduling and further legislative action.

The referral marks the beginning of the legislative process that will subject the bills to subsequent readings, committee scrutiny and public consideration before they can be passed into law.

The presentation of the twelve bills is widely seen as one of the most extensive batches of executive legislation transmitted to the current Assembly, reflecting the administration's commitment to institutional reforms and the strengthening of governance structures across critical sectors of the state's economy and public service.

After due delibration, the House was adjourned to reconvene on the 9 of June, 2026.