By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has signed into law seven landmark bills, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to people-focused governance and institutional transformation.
The bills, signed on Friday at the Government House in Lokoja, include legislation on climate change, land reforms, electoral transparency, disaster response, agriculture, and restrictions on heavy-duty truck movements in Lokoja metropolis.
Addressing the press after the signing ceremony, Governor Ododo commended Speaker Aliyu Umar Yusuf and members of the State Assembly for their “deep sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment to good governance.”
The Governor, apparently enthused by the development, described the Legislative Arm’s action as pivotal to his administration’s quest for people-oriented development and institutional transformation.
According to him, the bills reflect a shared vision to improve the lives of Kogi people and strengthen key pillars of development across the state.
Governor Ododo declared his administration’s readiness to implement the new laws with urgency, dedication, and fairness.
“These laws are not just mere words on paper; they are bold steps toward reshaping critical sectors of our development journey, from oil-producing community advancement to electoral reform, land management, environmental protection, and urban regulation”, he said.
The governor explained that the amendment to the Kogi State Oil Producing Area Development Commission Law would ensure that oil-bearing communities in the state now benefit from a more transparent, structured, and impactful development framework.
He added that the re-enactment of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency Law has equipped the state with a more coordinated mechanism for disaster preparedness and response.
Governor Ododo also highlighted the importance of establishing the Kogi State Climate Change Agency, saying it was a clear indication of the government’s commitment to environmental protection, sustainable living, and securing a safer, greener future for generations to come.
He said the law on restriction of heavy-duty trucks movement within Lokoja metropolis was a significant move to decongest the state capital and safeguard lives describing the legislation as “long overdue.”
Ododo noted that the increasing risks posed by unregulated movement of heavy trucks in highways across Kogi necessitated immediate and decisive action to restore order, reduce accidents, and improve the flow of traffic in the city.
Among the bills signed was also the new Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) Law, which he said would provide a stronger legal foundation for transparent, credible, and inclusive Local Government elections.
This, he added, is crucial to deepening democracy at the grassroots adding that in further demonstration of his administration’s drive towards institutional reform, he signed into law, the establishment of the Kogi State Bureau of Lands bill.
He explained that the agency would modernize land administration, eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks in land acquisition and documentation, and boost investor confidence in the state’s property sector.
Governoe Ododo emphasized the importance of Agriculture to Kogi economy, stating that the amendment of the Commodity Exchange and Export Promotion Law was aimed at empowering farmers and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
The Law is also aimed at positioning Kogi as a major player in national and international Agro markets.
He cited his recent visit to Lagos, where he signed a landmark partnership deal targeted at transforming the lives of farmers and scaling Kogi’s agricultural output.
Governor Ododo urged the people of the state to take the newly signed laws seriously, stressing that they were designed for their benefit.
He warned that anyone who violates the law, regardless of status, would be held accountable, underscoring his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on impunity.
“I remain committed to delivering a Kogi State that works for all,” he said as he reaffirmed his commitment to responsible leadership that places the people at the center of every decision, stating that the true measure of governance lies in the lives it transforms.
Speaking earlier, Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar commended the Governor for his development strides in the state, assuring him of the cooperation of the Assembly.
The Speaker eulogized the governor for sponsoring “People -oriented” bills, saying some of the bills have addressed issues of some agencies operating in the state for over 30 years without legal backing.
Rt Hon. Yusuf however urged Governor Ododo to help digitize the House of Assembly Complex, in order to enhance their administrative efficiency. (Ends)