Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has signed 14 Executive Bills into law, describing the development as a significant milestone in his administration’s drive to strengthen governance, institutionalise key reforms and expand the impact of the state’s ARISE Agenda.
The governor said the newly enacted laws would provide the legal framework needed to strengthen strategic institutions, close existing policy gaps and guarantee the continuity of programmes aimed at improving the welfare and living standards of the people of Akwa Ibom State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Government House Media Unit in Uyo, which noted that the laws cover several critical sectors of governance, including land administration, tourism, social welfare, public broadcasting and institutional development.
According to the statement, the passage of the bills marks another major step in the administration’s commitment to building stronger institutions capable of sustaining development beyond the tenure of the current government.
Speaking on the significance of the new legislation, Governor Eno said the laws would help consolidate the gains already recorded under the ARISE Agenda while creating a more efficient legal and administrative framework for future growth.
“These bills, fourteen in all, spanning all critical sectors, will help expand the gains of our ARISE Agenda, provide the legal backing to fill existing gaps with concrete actions and deepen our growth and development so we may spread more dividends of democracy across our society,” the governor stated.
One of the key laws establishes the Akwa Ibom State Geographical Information Service (AKWA-GIS), an agency expected to modernise land administration across the state.
The new institution will streamline land documentation processes, simplify land verification, facilitate acquisition and transfer of property, improve record keeping and enhance transparency in land transactions.
Government officials believe the establishment of AKWA-GIS will not only reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks but also encourage investment by making access to land information more efficient and reliable.
Another major legislation provides for the establishment of a Senior Citizens Centre, a move aimed at institutionalising welfare programmes for elderly residents across the state.
The centre is expected to coordinate initiatives that promote the wellbeing, healthcare, social inclusion and support services for senior citizens, reflecting the administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society.
The governor also signed into law the bill establishing the Akwa Ibom Hotels and Tourism Development Commission.
The commission will be responsible for regulating standards within the hospitality industry, promoting tourism investments and developing policies that will position Akwa Ibom as one of Nigeria’s leading tourism destinations.
Officials said the new commission would also work with stakeholders to improve service delivery, attract local and international visitors and unlock the state’s tourism potential through sustainable development initiatives.
Another significant law establishes the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, which is expected to strengthen public broadcasting in the state and reposition the newly established station for commercial operations.
The government said the corporation would play a vital role in disseminating information, promoting public enlightenment, preserving the state’s cultural heritage and supporting socio-economic development through effective communication.
Beyond these flagship institutions, the remaining executive bills are expected to address other critical areas of governance, public administration and service delivery, although details of each law were not immediately outlined in the statement.
The Government House noted that the comprehensive package of legislation reflects the administration’s determination to build durable institutions capable of sustaining development regardless of changes in political leadership.
Observers say the enactment of the laws demonstrates a growing emphasis on institutional reforms rather than short-term interventions, with the aim of creating systems that improve accountability, efficiency and transparency across government.
Political analysts also view the legal backing for strategic agencies as a move that could enhance investor confidence by providing clear regulatory frameworks and strengthening governance structures.
The ARISE Agenda, which serves as the policy blueprint of Governor Eno’s administration, focuses on key sectors including agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, tourism and economic empowerment.
Since assuming office, the governor has repeatedly stressed the importance of strengthening institutions as a means of ensuring sustainable development and delivering meaningful dividends of democracy to the people.
The latest legislative milestone is expected to complement ongoing development projects and policy initiatives across the state, while providing government agencies with clearer mandates and stronger legal authority to implement programmes.
Stakeholders have welcomed the signing of the bills, expressing optimism that the reforms will improve service delivery, enhance public confidence in government institutions and create new opportunities for economic growth.
With the 14 Executive Bills now signed into law, the Akwa Ibom State Government has taken another step toward consolidating its governance reforms, modernising public institutions and advancing the objectives of the ARISE Agenda, which the administration says is designed to promote inclusive growth and improve the quality of life for all residents of the state.
