Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has signed three significant bills into law, including the Senior Citizens Centre Bill.
The new laws aim to improve the welfare of older citizens, strengthen road infrastructure maintenance, and regulate gaming activities in the state.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Otu emphasised the practical impact of the bills, especially for rural and vulnerable populations. He stated that the Senior Citizens Centre law would lead to the creation of a central facility in Calabar, with additional centres in all 18 local government areas.
“These laws reflect our shared vision of a functional, inclusive, and sustainable Cross River State,” Otu said. “They are instruments of transformation that will touch the lives of every Cross Riverian.”
The bills, now laws, 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.
Governor Otu added that his administration remained committed to its “People First” mandate. He also thanked the State House of Assembly for responding swiftly to public needs through legislative support.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, said the bills represent progress in infrastructure maintenance, welfare for older citizens, and internally generated revenue growth.
Ayambem explained that the amended Road Maintenance Agency Law mandates a four percent deduction from monthly federal allocations to local governments. The deduction will fund consistent road repairs across the state.
He also highlighted that the Senior Citizens Centre Law will cater to retirees, widows, and the older citizens. The law will offer them care and support services.
The Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law introduces a 12-part, 102-section regulatory framework. It positions Cross River to tap into gaming revenues, in line with a recent Supreme Court ruling on state-level regulation.
With these developments, Otu and the Assembly have pledged to continue prioritising people-focused governance through actionable legislation.
