In a major push to reposition the health and education sectors while improving sanitation and overall quality of life in Cross River state, Governor Bassey Otu has signed four bills into law.
The governor, who described the development as a critical milestone in his administration’s reform agenda, said the laws were carefully designed to respond to the immediate needs of the people.
Speaking during the signing ceremony held on Wednesday April 8, 2026 at governor’s office in Calabar, the governor laid emphasis on strengthening the health system. adding, “Anything about health is not a joke. These bills will help our people because they ensure we have the right resources and options available to us.’
He also praised the Cross River State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Elvert Ayambem, for its thorough legislative work and constructive debates, noting that the synergy between both arms of government has continued to yield people-oriented policies.
“I’ve checked the responses and reactions. Some of the debates have been very good… and I believe in a few months’ time, the impact will be felt through these laws,” he added.
Blueprint.ng in Calabar leant that a major highlight in the new legal framework is the establishment of the Cross River State College of Health Sciences, Management and Technology, which replaces the former College of Health Technology and upgrades it to a polytechnic with a broader academic mandate.
The move, it was gathered, is expected to boost training capacity in health and related fields while also unlocking access to funding opportunities and aligning the institution with national standards.
Similarly, the governor assented to the Cross River State Hospital Management Board Law, 2026, which creates a central body to oversee public secondary health facilities and introduces management committees for general hospitals.
The law, it was further gathered, also provides for the regulation and registration of traditional medical practitioners, bringing them under the supervision of the Ministry of Health to ensure improved service delivery.
