Governor Alex Otti on Monday signed 18 executive bills to strengthen the ongoing reforms improving lives in Abia State. This was announced by Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, at a briefing in the Government House, Umuahia, after the May Expanded Executive Council Meeting.
Progress on Key Development Projects
Commissioner Kanu shared that the state’s second anniversary includes inspecting projects started by former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose. The government has also paid ₦3.5 billion as counterpart funding for road maintenance and agro-logistics hubs under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Programme (RAAMP). This funding covers six road lots and five graded roads across 10 LGAs. The state awaits matching funds from the World Bank to kick-start these projects.
Increase in Executive Bills Signed
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Ikechukwu Uwanna confirmed that Governor Otti’s administration has now signed 30 executive bills. Key bills include:
Abia Homeland Security Act – updated to create an effective forest guard as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
Abia State Bonds Act – allows the state to raise funds via the capital market.
Abia State Ombudsman and Public Complaints Commission – officially established.
The Abia State Estate Development Agency was scrapped, and its staff moved to the Ministry of Lands.
Uwanna added that the Umuahia Capital Development Agency, Abia Orientation Agency, and Abia Fire Service will now report to the Ministries of Lands, Information, and Homeland Security respectively, not directly to the governor.
Focus on Social Welfare with Senior Citizens’ Bill
Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Blessing Felix, announced the governor also signed the Abia Senior Citizens’ Bill. Once in effect, this bill will protect the welfare of all residents aged 60 and above.
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