By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State House of Assembly has revved up its legislative machinery, passing three critical bills aimed at deepening development, streamlining governance, and bolstering emergency response structures across the state.
Top on the list is the Kogi State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (KOSOPADEC) Amendment Bill, a strategic step expected to realign the commission’s operations with current realities in host communities. The amendment seeks to ensure oil-producing areas in Kogi benefit more equitably from the state’s mineral wealth.
Also passed were the Amendment Bill to the Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency Law, 2024, and a bill to repeal and reenact the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency Law, replacing the 2005 version with a more responsive 2025 model fit for today’s emergencies.
All three bills sailed through first and second readings, followed by a detailed clause-by-clause scrutiny at the Committee of the Whole, before receiving final third readings. The bills now await the signature of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to become law.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, who chaired the plenary, commended his colleagues for their legislative diligence and commitment to progress.
“You’ve continued to show that you are truly the people’s representatives. These laws lay the framework for sustainable development in our dear state,” he said, visibly pleased with the day’s outcomes.
Meanwhile, the legislative engine isn’t slowing down. Four more bills, each touching on vital sectors of the state’s future, have passed second reading and have been forwarded to relevant committees for further consideration
These include: Kogi State Agency for Climate Change (Establishment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to institutionalize the state’s fight against climate change, Kogi State Heavy Duty Truck Restriction of Movement Bill, 2025, designed to regulate the flow of large vehicles and ease traffic congestion and road damage, Kogi State Bureau of Lands Bill, 2025, aimed at streamlining land administration and Kogi State Local Government Electoral Bill (Repeal and Enactment), 2025, which proposes reforms in the conduct of local government elections.
The wave of legislative activity signals a bold and reform-driven agenda under the current Assembly — one focused not just on governance, but on laying a lasting foundation for a more resilient and forward-looking Kogi State.