...Proposed laws will address critical developmental needs, fiscal discipline, and emergency services - Speaker
Ifiok Itiaba
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| Speaker's representative, Asuquo Nana |
The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, has declared that the various bills currently under consideration by the House are specifically designed to address critical developmental needs of the State while further strengthening governance, service delivery, economic growth, and institutional efficiency.
The Speaker made this disclosure while declaring open a public hearing jointly organised by the House committees on Health, Education, Information, and Economic Planning and Development on Wednesday, 17th June, 2026, at Luton Park Hotels, Uyo.
Highlighting the significance of the various bills, Otong stated that the Bill for a Law to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Fiscal Responsibility Board would be responsible for monitoring compliance with fiscal policies and regulations, ensuring that government revenues and expenditures are managed in accordance with approved laws and budgets.
He added that it would also promote responsible borrowing, sound debt management, and long-term financial sustainability.
"The Bill seeks to ensure that public funds are utilised efficiently and responsibly for the benefit of both present and future generations," he added.
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| Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon Jerry Otu |
Represented by the member representing Ikono State Constituency, Hon. Asuquo Nana, the Speaker explained that the Bill for a Law to Establish the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) for the Training of Persons in Various Skills and Vocations in Akwa Ibom State seeks to institutionalise skills acquisition and vocational training as a key component of the State's human capital development strategy.
"The objective is to equip citizens with the competencies required for self-employment, wealth creation, and meaningful participation in the modern economy, thereby reducing unemployment and empowering individuals with productive skills," he said.
Continuing, he noted that the Bill for a Law to Provide for the Establishment of the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, when passed, would enhance government-citizen communication, promote transparency and civic engagement, preserve cultural heritage, and strengthen the State's media infrastructure in the digital age.
Speaking further, he stressed that the Bill for a Law to Amend the Hospital Management Board Law, Cap. 65, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, and the Bill for a Law to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Systems Agency for the Effective Administration and Management of Emergency Care Services were designed to decentralise the Hospital Management Board into Zonal Hospital Management Boards in each Senatorial District, which would help improve the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of healthcare services for citizens throughout the State.
He added that the proposed Agency would develop an integrated emergency response system capable of providing prompt medical assistance during accidents, disasters, health emergencies, and other life-threatening situations.
In his address, the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Moses Essien, stated that the amendment to the Hospital Management Board Cap. 65 to decentralise the board into zones, with each of the three senatorial districts in the State having its own board, would indeed enhance the efficiency of the board and create opportunities for more citizens to be involved in governance. He added that the emergency medical services and ambulance systems agency would provide a legal framework to strengthen the operation of the entire emergency medical and ambulance service in the State.
On his part, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Jerry Otu, said the proposed Ibom Broadcasting Corporation Bill seeks to provide a legal framework for the establishment, management, operation, and regulation of a State Broadcasting Corporation that would facilitate information dissemination, public enlightenment, citizen education, cultural preservation, and socio-economic development.
He noted that the Bill aligns with the vision of the State Government's 'ARISE AGENDA', especially in the area of infrastructural and ICT Development Sector.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Hon. (Chief) Kenim Onofiok, stated that the Bill for a Law to Establish the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) for the Training of Persons in Various Skills and Vocations in Akwa Ibom State seeks to establish a specialised institution dedicated to the development of technical, vocational, entrepreneurial, and innovative skills among citizens.
"At a time when the global economy increasingly rewards practical competencies and innovation, the establishment of such a centre represents a strategic investment in human capital development and workforce preparedness," he said.
In his remarks on the fiscal responsibility law, the Chairman of the Committee on Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Nsidibe Akata, said the Fiscal Responsibility Law remains one of the most important instruments for promoting prudent financial management, transparency, accountability, and fiscal sustainability in government.
"The proposed amendment therefore seeks to strengthen the existing legal framework and enhance fiscal oversight in a manner that will further promote responsible management of public resources for the overall benefit of the people of Akwa Ibom State," he concluded.
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