Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu has signed the state Road Maintenance Agency Bill, 2025 into law.
Also signed into law were the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, 2025, and the Cross River State Senior Citizens Centre Law, 2025.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Nsa Gill, on Tuesday, said that the legislative milestones reflect the administration’s ongoing commitment to its “People First” agenda.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Gov. Otu described the legislation as timely and strategic, emphasising the bills alignment with his government’s development priorities.
“These laws are coming at the right time, and I would like to appreciate the speaker of the House and all the assembly members for their good work,” the governor stated.
“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’re losing potential revenue.
“As for the senior citizens centre law, it is a crucial part of our welfarist policy. We are a people-first government, and we prioritize everyone.”
Gov. Otu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to reforms that directly impact the lives of residents, stressing that these laws mark a step forward in infrastructure renewal, economic management, and social inclusion.
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Explaining the specifics of each law, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, said the Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Bill, introduces a new funding mechanism requiring each of the 18 local government councils to allocate four percent of their monthly federation account receipts to the agency.
This, he said, will guarantee steady road repairs and maintenance throughout the state.
The Senior Citizens Centre Bill, he added, 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, he said 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,” Ayambem said.
On the Lotteries and Gaming Agency Bill, 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 State.
