Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has signed into law seven bills passed by the State House of Assembly, pledging swift and fair implementation to accelerate development across the state.
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Speaking after the signing ceremony at the Government House in Lokoja on Friday, the governor thanked Speaker Aliyu Umar, principal officers and all members of the Assembly for what he described as their “deep sense of responsibility and commitment to good governance.”
He said the laws represent a joint resolve to improve the lives of Kogi people and reinforce key pillars of growth, calling the legislative actions pivotal to his administration’s pursuit of people-centred development and institutional renewal.
“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,” Ododo stated.
The governor explained that the amendment to the Kogi State Oil Producing Area Development Commission Law provides oil-bearing communities with a more transparent and structured framework for impactful development.
He added that the re-enactment of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency Law equips the state with a more coordinated system for disaster preparedness and response.
Ododo also pointed to the establishment of the Kogi State Climate Change Agency as evidence of the government’s dedication to environmental stewardship, sustainable living and ensuring a safer, greener future.
In a move to decongest Lokoja and protect lives, the governor signed into law restrictions on heavy-duty trucks within the metropolis, describing the legislation as “long overdue” given the rising risks posed by unregulated truck movement. He said the new law would restore order, reduce accidents and improve traffic flow in the capital.
He also assented to the new Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) Law, designed to strengthen the legal framework for credible and inclusive local government elections, which he described as vital to grassroots democracy.
Furthering his administration’s institutional reforms, Ododo signed into law the establishment of the Kogi State Bureau of Lands, which will modernise land administration, remove bureaucratic obstacles in land acquisition and documentation and boost investor confidence in the property market.
Emphasising agriculture’s importance to Kogi’s economy, he said the amendment of the Commodity Exchange and Export Promotion Law aims to empower farmers, strengthen the agricultural value chain and position the state as a key player in national and international agro markets.
He referenced a recent visit to Lagos where he signed a partnership aimed at transforming farmers’ livelihoods and scaling Kogi’s agricultural production.
The governor called on citizens to take the new laws seriously, warning that violations would attract full legal consequences, reiterating his administration’s zero-tolerance stance 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,” he affirmed.
Ododo concluded by restating his pledge to responsible leadership that places citizens at the centre of decision-making, stressing that governance must be measured by the lives it transforms.
Earlier, Speaker of the House of Assembly Rt Hon Aliyu Umar praised the governor for his achievements, assuring him of the legislature’s cooperation. He commended the executive for sponsoring what he described as “people-oriented” bills, noting that some provided overdue legal backing for agencies operating for more than three decades.
He appealed to the governor to support digitisation of the Assembly complex to enhance administrative efficiency and disclosed that two more bills would soon be sent for executive assent.
