Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has signed four new laws aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare system and advancing reforms across key sectors.
The governor described the move as a major milestone in his administration’s reform agenda, focused on improving service delivery and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Governor’s Office in Calabar on Wednesday, Otu emphasized the importance of prioritizing healthcare.
“Anything about health is not a joke. These bills will help our people by ensuring we have the right resources and options available,” he said.
He commended the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Elvert Ayambem, for what he described as thorough legislative work and constructive debate that led to the passage of the laws.
Otu noted that the continued collaboration between the executive and legislative arms has resulted in people-oriented policies, expressing confidence that the benefits of the new laws would soon be felt across the state.
A key highlight of the reforms is the establishment of the Cross River State College of Health Sciences, Management and Technology. The new institution replaces the former College of Health Technology and upgrades it to a polytechnic with an expanded academic scope.
The governor also signed the Cross River State Hospital Management Board Law, 2026, which creates a central body to oversee secondary healthcare facilities. The law also provides for the establishment of management committees for general hospitals and introduces regulation for traditional medical practitioners.
In a bid to address sanitation issues, Otu assented to the Open Defecation (Prohibition) Law, 2026. The legislation mandates the provision of toilet facilities in homes, businesses, and public places, and establishes a State Task Group on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) to enforce compliance.
Additionally, the governor approved the Cross River State Senior Secondary Education Board Law, 2026, establishing a dedicated body to manage state-owned senior secondary schools and improve access to federal education intervention funds.
Otu stated that the laws form part of a broader strategy to tackle socio-economic challenges, including rural-urban migration, food security, and environmental sustainability.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building internal capacity and reducing reliance on external support, expressing optimism that the new laws will drive development and strengthen the state’s resilience.
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