Abia Assembly Lauds Its Achievements, Announces Passage of 37 Bills in Two Years

The Abia State House of Assembly has announced a significant legislative achievement, disclosing that it has successfully passed 37 bills into law within the two years of its current eighth assembly. The Speaker, Mr. Emmanuel Emeruwa, made this disclosure on Tuesday in Umuahia while briefing newsmen on the accomplishments of the legislative body, which was inaugurated in June 2023.

Speaker Emeruwa highlighted that the eighth assembly has been committed to enacting “people-friendly” laws aimed at institutional reforms, fostering participatory governance, and driving sustainable development across the state. He commended his colleagues for their harmonious working relationship and swift understanding of legislative processes.

Among the notable bills passed are the Abia State Appropriation Law of 2023, the Greater Aba Development Authority Law of 2024, and the Abia State Pensions Reform Law of 2024. Other key legislations include the Abia State Security Trust Fund Law, 2024, the Abia State Electricity Law, 2025, the Abia State Senior Citizens Law of 2025, and the Abia State Local Government Administration Law, 2025.

Emeruwa specifically drew attention to the newly enacted Abia State Electricity Law, which he noted would enable the state to take control of its electricity sector. This move is expected to attract investors, facilitate the establishment of independent electricity companies and power stations, and ultimately enhance industrialization within Abia State.

Another groundbreaking piece of legislation highlighted by the Speaker is the Abia State Senior Citizens Law of 2025. This law is designed to cater comprehensively to Abia citizens aged 60 and above, providing them with benefits such as monthly stipends and free medical services. “I don’t think there is any other state in Nigeria that has passed that law because we know that senior citizens ought to be catered for in terms of helping them in medical and other needs of life,” he remarked.

The Speaker also proudly noted a historical feat where 18 bills received the governor’s assent in a single day, a development he described as unprecedented in Abia’s legislative history and possibly across other state assemblies in Nigeria. “The governor has assented to all these bills, and these laws are enforceable,” Emeruwa confirmed, asserting that the problem in Nigeria and Abia is not a lack of laws but rather their implementation.

The Abia State House of Assembly, under Speaker Emeruwa’s leadership, continues to enjoy a harmonious working relationship with the Executive arm of government, which is seen as crucial for the smooth passage and implementation of these pivotal laws.