The Cross River State Executive Council (EXCO) has taken significant strides in improving governance and legal structures with the approval of several critical draft bills during its first meeting of 2025. These bills, when enacted, aim to address essential sectors such as infrastructure development, water management, rural connectivity, and gaming regulation NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
A notable highlight includes the approval of a draft bill to amend the Cross River State Counterpart Fund Law, 2024, which is expected to streamline financial contributions and collaborations with development partners. Additionally, the Council adopted draft bills for the enactment of the Cross River State Roads Fund Law and the Rural Access Roads Authority Law. These laws are projected to create sustainable funding mechanisms for road maintenance and improve rural road access to underserved communities.
In the area of natural resources, the Council approved the Water Users Association Law, 2024, which seeks to regulate and manage water resources efficiently. The gaming industry in the state will also witness a transformation with the adoption of the Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, 2024. This law is set to ensure accountability, transparency, and increased revenue generation within the sector.
The Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, emphasized that these legislative initiatives align with Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s vision of fostering development through effective legal frameworks, adding that the administration is committed to delivering people-centric governance in 2025.
