...House moves to boost IGR, establish emergency medical services, broadcasting corporation, fiscal responsibility board, procurement agency.
Ifiok Itiaba, Uyo
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| Speaker Udeme Otong, during plenary |
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed into law a Bill for a Law to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency, which will provide for the regulation and control of lottery and all gaming activities in the state.
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| Hon Jerry Otu presenting his report during Tuesday's plenary |
The passage, which came during Tuesday's plenary session, also saw the House giving its nod to four other significant bills aimed at strengthening governance, revenue generation, and public service delivery across the state.
The Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency Bill was passed following a clause-by-clause consideration of the report by the Committee on Appropriation and Finance.
Presenting the report, the committee chairman, Dr Itorobong Etim, who represents Uruan State Constituency, informed the House that the Bill was read the first time and subsequently read the second time on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, before being committed to the committee for further legislative action.
Dr Etim disclosed that the Committee received valuable inputs from stakeholders during a public hearing on the bill, which greatly assisted in carrying out the assignment.
She noted that the bill will enhance the Internally-Generated Revenue of government and improve the State's Gross Domestic Product, while also providing legal backing for these activities in line with International Best Practices.
She further stressed that it will bring sanity into the operation of Betting and Lottery Businesses in the State, and urged the House to adopt the amendments proposed and pass the Bill into Law, adding that it falls in-line with Global Best Practices in Betting and Lottery activities.
In a related development, the House also passed four other bills into law. These include the Bill to establish the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, which seeks to rebrand, expand the scope and capacity of the State Broadcasting Institution and reposition it within the evolving global information and communication ecosystem. The Corporation is also expected to play a vital role in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom State through documentaries, indigenous language programmes, coverage of cultural festivals, and historical content.
The House also passed a Bill to establish the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Systems Agency, which will ensure the effective administration and management of emergency medical care services and ambulance systems throughout the State. The agency is mandated to provide prompt, accessible, and efficient emergency medical care to persons in need, as well as ensure the availability, functionality, and proper maintenance of ambulances and related equipment used for emergency medical response.
Additionally, the House passed a Bill for a Law to establish the Akwa Ibom State Fiscal Responsibility Board, which will promote prudent financial management, fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in the management of public resources. The Board is also expected to strengthen fiscal responsibility and ensure greater accountability in the utilization of government finances.
The House further passed the Public Procurement Regulatory Agency Bill, which establishes an agency to enforce procurement standards, promote transparency and accountability, and ensure value for money in public procurement processes across government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Following the passage of all five bills, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikakabasi Orok, to communicate the resolutions of the Assembly to the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno PhD, for assent in accordance with constitutional provisions.
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| Dr Itorobong Etim presenting her report |
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