NEWS
#ICYMI: Abia Assembly Moves Against Devastating Erosion Crisis, Approves Infrastructure Financing Deal, Confirms New BIR Chairman
The Abia State House of Assembly has taken decisive legislative steps aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges, strengthening infrastructure financing, and enhancing revenue administration in the state during its latest plenary session.
One of the major highlights of the sitting was the consideration of a matter of urgent public importance raised by the Chief Whip of the House and Member representing Umuahia South State Constituency, Hon. Emeka Obioma, over the worsening erosion menace ravaging communities within his constituency.
The lawmaker drew the attention of the House to the alarming rate at which erosion has continued to threaten lives, homes, roads, and economic activities in several affected areas, stressing the urgent need for government intervention to prevent further destruction.
Following deliberations on the issue, the House resolved to mandate the Abia State Ministry of Environment to immediately take necessary actions toward tackling the devastating erosion sites in Umuahia South, alongside other erosion-prone areas across the state.
The resolution forms part of ongoing efforts by the legislature to ensure proactive environmental protection and safeguard vulnerable communities from ecological disasters that have continued to pose serious threats to infrastructure and residents in different parts of Abia State.
In another significant development, the House granted the request of the Abia State Government seeking legislative authorization for the state’s participation in the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) Receivables Discounting Programme.
The approval is expected to enable the state government access infrastructure financing support geared toward accelerating developmental projects and improving critical public infrastructure across the state.
The lawmakers noted that the initiative would provide the state with additional financial leverage to drive strategic projects targeted at economic growth, urban renewal, and improved service delivery to the people of Abia State.
Meanwhile, the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Trade and Commerce on H.A.B. 28, a Bill for a Law to establish the Abia State Market Safety and Protection framework and for related matters, was deferred to a future legislative date.
The proposed bill is expected to provide a legal and institutional framework for improving safety standards, protection mechanisms, and operational regulations within markets across the state once fully considered and passed into law.
Also during the plenary, Mr. Uchenna Elekwachi was screened and subsequently confirmed by the House as the new Chairman of the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue following his appointment by the Governor.
His confirmation is seen as a strategic move toward strengthening the state’s internally generated revenue system and enhancing tax administration efficiency in line with the present administration’s economic reforms and fiscal policies.
The plenary session further reflected the House’s continued commitment toward legislative actions aimed at promoting sustainable development, environmental protection, economic growth, and institutional efficiency in Abia State.