By Kingsley Agim
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Governor Bassey Otu has signed four transformative bills into law, in a major push to reposition the health and education sectors while improving sanitation and overall quality of life in Cross River State.
The Governor, who described the development as a critical milestone in his administration’s reform agenda, said the laws were carefully designed to respond to the immediate needs of the people, with particular emphasis on strengthening the health system.
“Anything about health is not a joke. These bills will help our people because they ensure we have the right resources and options available to us,” Otu said during the signing ceremony held on Wednesday at the governor’s office in Calabar.
He also praised the Cross River State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Elvert Ayambem, for its thorough legislative work and constructive debates, noting that the synergy between both arms of government has continued to yield people-oriented policies. “I’ve checked the responses and reactions. Some of the debates have been very good… and I believe in a few months, the impact will be felt through these laws,” he added.
A major highlight in the new legal framework is the establishment of the Cross River State College of Health Sciences, Management and Technology, which replaces the former College of Health Technology and upgrades it to a polytechnic with a broader academic mandate. The move is expected to boost training capacity in health and related fields while also unlocking access to funding opportunities and aligning the institution with national standards.
Further consolidating reforms in the health sector, the Governor assented to the Cross River State Hospital Management Board Law, 2026, which creates a central body to oversee public secondary health facilities and introduces management committees for general hospitals. The law also provides for the regulation and registration of traditional medical practitioners, bringing them under the supervision of the Ministry of Health to ensure improved service delivery.
In addressing sanitation challenges, Otu signed the Open Defecation (Prohibition) Law, 2026, a measure aimed at reducing waterborne diseases and improving public hygiene. The law mandates the provision of toilet facilities in homes, business premises, and public places, with provisions for gender sensitivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities. It also establishes a State Task Group on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) to ensure compliance and enforcement.
The Governor also approved the Cross River State Senior Secondary Education Board Law, 2026, which creates a dedicated board to manage state-owned senior secondary schools. The new structure introduces clearer administrative guidelines and positions the state to benefit from federal education intervention funds, thereby strengthening the delivery of quality education.
Beyond the immediate sectoral impact, Governor Otu noted that the laws are part of a broader strategy to tackle socio-economic challenges, including rural-urban migration, food security, and environmental sustainability. He emphasised the need for leadership anchored on vision and compassion to create opportunities within communities and improve living standards.
Reaffirming his commitment to sustainable development, the Governor stressed the importance of building internal capacity and reducing overdependence on external support. He expressed confidence that the newly signed laws would drive meaningful change, accelerate development, and ultimately transform Cross River State into a more resilient and self-reliant economy.
