By Nakanda Iyadim
New Water Law Guarantees WASH Services for All as State Sets Development Agenda Through Legislative Reforms
In a decisive step toward improving public health and service delivery, Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has signed into law the Cross River State Water Supply and Sanitation Law No. 5, 2025, alongside eight other pivotal legislations. The move underscores the administration’s commitment to inclusive development amid growing infrastructural and governance challenges.
At the signing ceremony held at Government House, Calabar, on Tuesday, Governor Otu described the Water Law as a foundational policy to ensure that every citizen in Cross River State has access to clean, safe, and sustainable water.
“Access to water is a fundamental human right, and this law marks a commitment to improving the lives of our citizens,” Governor Otu stated. “Through this legislation, we are not just providing services but fostering a healthier community.”
Redefining Public Access to WASH Services
The newly signed Water Law establishes a regulatory framework to oversee water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, aiming to eliminate decades-old challenges like resource mismanagement, insufficient infrastructure, and service gaps, especially in rural areas.
Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, praised the legislation, noting it “safeguards public health and lays the groundwork for future investments in sanitation infrastructure.” He affirmed that the law’s provisions will drive sustainable water resource management and attract further developmental partnerships.
Broader Legislative Reform for State Renewal
In addition to the WASH law, Governor Otu also enacted eight other laws, each targeting a key developmental or security priority:
The Cross River State Fire Fighting and Rescue Service Law No. 4, 2024
Strengthens emergency response capabilities and opens new avenues for internally generated revenue.
The Cross River State Security Trust Fund (Amendment) Law No. 6, 2024
Empowers the Governor to appoint qualified leadership, ensuring more effective oversight of security interventions.
The Cross River State Scraps Regulatory Agency (Amendment) Law No. 9, 2025
Aims to curtail the activities of illegal scavengers and vandals targeting critical infrastructure.
The Cross River State Rural Access Road Authority Law No. 8, 2025
Addresses rural neglect by improving connectivity for farming communities and reducing post-harvest losses.
The Cross River State Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (Amendment) Law No. 4, 2024
Clarifies agency functions and harmonizes licensing revenue collection.
The Cross River State Records and Archives Bureau Law No. 7, 2024
Establishes a dedicated bureau for the documentation and preservation of official state records.
The Cross River State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency Law No. 10, 2025
Strengthens pharmaceutical supply chains and encourages public-private partnerships in health delivery.
The Cross River State Forestry Research Institute (Establishment) Law No. 6, 2024
Creates an institution focused on sustainable forest research and environmental management.
Commitment to People-Centered Governance
Governor Otu emphasized that these legislative reforms reflect his administration’s resolve to confront pressing socioeconomic issues with sustainable, people-oriented solutions.
“We understand the difficulties many face within our state. These laws, especially the water law, pave the way for sustainable development and better living conditions for all,” he said.
As Cross River embarks on this new legal and governance trajectory, the Water and Sanitation Law stands as a beacon of public health reform—anchoring a future where access to clean water is no longer a privilege but a right for every citizen.
