Consistent with his administration’s commitment to deepening governance and improving the welfare of citizens, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, on Monday signed three significant bills into law at Dan Archibong Lodge, the Governor’s office in Calabar.
The bills include the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law 2025, the Senior Citizens Centre Law 2025, and the Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law 2025. The new laws are expected to boost infrastructure maintenance, enhance care for the elderly, and streamline revenue generation from gaming and lottery operations in the state.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Otu commended the State House of Assembly for their cooperation and proactive legislative engagement, describing the partnership as a clear demonstration of shared commitment to people-centered governance.
“I want to thank the House of Assembly so much for the partnership, the cooperation, and the commitment they have shown in the discharge of their duties,” the Governor said. “I especially commend the Speaker for his leadership and swift response to issues affecting our people.”
Governor Otu noted that each of the three new laws directly impacts the lives of Cross Riverians, aligning with his administration’s “People First” policy thrust. He highlighted the Lotteries and Gaming Law as a long-overdue instrument that will now allow the state to recover funds previously trapped due to the absence of a legal framework.
On the Senior Citizens Centre Law, the Governor expressed deep concern for the welfare of the aged, emphasizing that the government will prioritize the needs of the elderly as a vulnerable group.
“We do not segregate between young or old. But it is very clear that the elderly are even more vulnerable. This law ensures that those who spent years building our society are not forgotten,” he stated.
On infrastructure, Governor Otu described the amendment to the Road Maintenance Agency Law as a critical move toward sustainable road upkeep across the state, especially with a new funding mechanism sourced from local government allocations.
“Without good roads, there can be no economic activity. We are institutionalizing a process that ensures consistent road maintenance, regardless of who is governor,” he said.
Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver meaningful governance, expressing hope that the signed laws would bring tangible benefits to the lives of Cross Riverians.
“We came into office with a clear mandate — people first — and nearly two years in, I believe we are justifying that trust,” the Governor concluded.
Earlier, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, provided details of the three bills. He explained that the amendment to the Road Maintenance Agency Law now mandates a 4% monthly contribution from the 18 local government councils’ federal allocations, thus guaranteeing a dedicated revenue stream for road repairs.
On the Senior Citizens Centre Law, the Speaker noted that it would establish a central care facility in Calabar and sub-centres in all 18 local government areas to cater to aged citizens, particularly retirees, widows, and vulnerable elders.
Regarding the Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, Rt. Hon. Ayambem stated that it was inspired by a recent Supreme Court judgment empowering states to regulate gaming within their jurisdictions. The law, comprising 12 parts and 102 sections, establishes an agency that will manage and control the gaming sector while retaining a fair percentage of revenue for state development.
“With these laws, we are confident that job opportunities will increase, the vulnerable will receive care, and critical infrastructure will receive the attention it deserves,” the Speaker said.
