Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has signed three significant bills into law aimed at improving infrastructure, regulating the gaming industry, and enhancing social welfare across the State.
The new laws include the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law, 2025; the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, 2025; and the Cross River State Senior Citizens Centre Law, 2025.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Otu said the legislative milestones were in alignment with his government’s development priorities describing the legislation as timely and strategic.
“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 prioritized. 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. We are a people-first government, and we prioritize everyone.”
Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to reforms that directly impact the lives of residents, stressing that the laws mark a step forward in infrastructure renewal, economic management, and social inclusion.
Explaining the specifics of each law, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr Elvert Ayambem, said “the Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law introduces a new funding mechanism requiring each of the 18 local government councils to allocate 4% of their monthly Federation Account receipts to the agency.”
This, he said would guarantee steady road repairs and maintenance throughout the State.
He further explained that “the Senior Citizens Centre Law seeks to establish a central facility in each of the three senatorial districts, starting in the State capital, Calabar, to serve the needs of vulnerable retirees and the aged. Subsequently, sub-centres will be put in place in each local government headquarters to support vulnerable elderly residents. This law underscores the governor’s welfarist vision.”
On the Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, the Speaker noted that “the legislation 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.”
Source: Michael Akpang, FRCN Calabar
