By Abasi Ita
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, has signed four key reform bills into law in a decisive move to strengthen critical sectors and improve the quality of life for residents.
The new laws are aimed at repositioning the state’s health, education, and sanitation systems within a broader governance reform framework. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Calabar, the governor described the development as a significant milestone, noting that the legislation was carefully designed to address pressing needs and deliver tangible benefits to the people.
A major highlight of the reforms is the establishment of the Cross River State College of Health Sciences, Management and Technology, which upgrades the former College of Health Technology and broadens its academic scope. The initiative is expected to boost manpower development in the health sector and enhance access to funding as well as modern training standards.
As part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, the governor also assented to the Cross River State Hospital Management Board Law, 2026. The law establishes a central body to oversee secondary health facilities, introduces a more structured management system for general hospitals, and provides for the regulation of traditional medical practitioners to improve service delivery.
In addressing sanitation concerns, the Open Defecation Prohibition Law, 2026 mandates the provision of toilet facilities in homes, businesses, and public places. It also establishes a state task group on water, sanitation, and hygiene to ensure compliance and promote better public health practices.
In the education sector, the Cross River State Senior Secondary Education Board Law, 2026 creates a dedicated body to manage state owned secondary schools. The reform is expected to strengthen administrative efficiency and position the state to access federal intervention funds for improved educational outcomes.
Governor Otu commended the Cross River State House of Assembly for its legislative diligence, noting that continued collaboration between the executive and legislative arms has resulted in people centred policies. He expressed confidence that the impact of the new laws would soon be felt across the state.
He further explained that the reforms form part of a broader strategy to address socio economic challenges such as rural urban migration, food security, and environmental sustainability, while enhancing the overall standard of living for citizens.