The Cross River State House of Assembly, has passed the Cross River State Irrigations and Dams Authority Bill 2025.
The bill is aimed at conceptualizing, designing, procuring, managing and regulating irrigation, dams and reservoirs with a view to ensuring optimal performance and efficient use of water resources in the State.
The passage of the bill followed the deliberation of the House on the report of its Joint Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources/Forestry and Water Resources/Sanitation earlier mandated to carry out an indepth study of the bill after its first and second readings.
Presenting the report on behalf of the Joint Committee, the chairman of the House Committee on Agricultural, Natural Resources and Forestry, Mr Bette Obi gave the assurance that the State stands to benefit greatly from the bill.
“Aside from maximizing food production through mechanised farming, it will boost food security, create job opportunities and foster research into addressing the multifaceted challenges of farm management and practice.” Mr Obi said.
The Lawmaker representing Boki 1 State Constituency expressed optimism that the bill, when signed into Law, would reshape the ideology of the State, and build capacity for increased food production.
“The bill has set the tempo for a new perspective on agricultural production in Cross River State. It is our firm believe that in few years to come, the State will showcase itself as a model for food production and this Honourable House will be remembered for the role it played towards sustainable agricultural development,” Mr Obi added.
While making their contributions to the bill, the Lawmakers unanimously supported the passage of the bill which they agreed was not only timely but also of great importance to the State.
The Speaker, Mr Elvert Ayambem applauded the Joint Committee for working hard to complete the legislative procedures necessary for the passage of the bill.
He expressed confidence that the State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu would continue to assent to bills passed by the Assembly to ensure that the people of the State continue to enjoy the dividend of democracy.
The bill, made up of 17 sections and one schedule was sponsored by the Member representing Yala 1 State Constituency, Mr Odey Wonah.
Earlier, a Public Hearing was held at the Assembly’s Complex where stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Mr Johnson Ebokpo and others expressed support for the bill and also commended the Sponsors, Co-sponsors, Joint Committee Members and the entire House for the bill.
They described it as a laudable initiative.
Source: MBAH MONDAY
