Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has signed seven bills passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly into law.
He described legislative actions as pivotal to his administration’s quest for people-oriented development and institutional transformation.
Speaking after the signing ceremony in Lokoja on Friday, Governor Ododo said the laws are not just mere words on paper, but bold steps toward reshaping critical sectors of the state’s development journey, from oil-producing community advancement to electoral reform, land management, environmental protection, and urban regulation.
The bills signed into law included the amendment of Kogi State Oil Producing Area Development Commission Law, Re-enactment of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency Law, law establishing Kogi State Climate Change Agency, restriction of heavy-duty trucks within Lokoja metropolis, new Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) Law, establishment of Kogi State Bureau of Lands and amendment of Commodity Exchange and Export Promotion Law.
He expressed deep appreciation to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, principal officers and members of the State Assembly for their “deep sense of responsibility and commitment to good governance.”
He noted that the bills reflect a shared vision to improve the lives of Kogites 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.
He 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.
In a significant move to decongest the state capital and safeguard lives, the Governor signed into law the restriction of heavy-duty trucks within Lokoja metropolis. He described the legislation as “long overdue,” noting that the increasing risks posed by unregulated movement of heavy trucks necessitated immediate and decisive action to restore order, reduce accidents, and improve the flow of traffic in the city.
The Governor also signed 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.
In further demonstrating his administration’s drive toward institutional reform, Governor Ododo signed into law the establishment of the Kogi State Bureau of Lands. 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.
He emphasized the importance of agriculture to Kogi’s economy, stating that the amendment of the Commodity Exchange and Export Promotion Law was aimed at empowering farmers, strengthening the agricultural value chain, and 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. A state where governance is not about promises but about action; not about words, but about impact,” the Governor said.
He reaffirmed his dedication 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.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar commended the Governor for his development strides in the state, assuring him of the cooperation of the House of Assembly. He urged the Governor to throw all his political will behind the smooth implementation of the laws.
He specifically eulogized the governor for sponsoring what he termed, “People -oriented” laws, saying some of the bills have taken care of some agencies that have been operating in the state for more than 30 years without legal backing.
He, however, urged the state governor to help digitize the House of Assembly Complex, in order to enhance their administrative efficiency.
He also said that two other bills will soon be passed to the executive for the governor’s assent.
