Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Signs Betting Regulation Law, Says Oversight Is Better Than Disorder

Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno has defended the establishment of the state’s Betting and Lottery Regulatory Agency, saying the new law is intended to regulate betting operators, protect residents from fraud and ensure compliance with existing regulations.

The governor stressed that although he does not support betting on moral grounds, he believes the industry must be properly monitored wherever it exists.

Speaking in a statement issued by the Government House Media Unit in Uyo on Wednesday, Eno said the legislation reflects his administration’s commitment to promoting law and order across the state.

“As a pastor, I believe in law and order. I do not encourage betting, but where it exists, it must be properly regulated,” the governor said.

The statement disclosed that Governor Eno has now signed 14 Executive Bills into law as part of efforts to drive the implementation and long-term sustainability of his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

Among the newly established institutions are the Akwa Ibom State Geographical Information Service (AKWA-GIS), the Senior Citizens Centre, the Hotels and Tourism Development Commission, and the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation.

Other laws provide for the establishment of the Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Systems Agency, the Public Procurement Regulatory Agency, the Fiscal Responsibility Board, the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of the Public Defender, the Water Users Association, and the University of Education, Afaha Nsit.

The government also revealed that Governor Eno has concluded plans to redeploy medical doctors currently serving in administrative positions back to clinical duties. According to the statement, keeping trained doctors away from medical practice for extended periods could negatively affect healthcare delivery and patient safety across the state.

The latest reforms form part of the Akwa Ibom State Government’s broader efforts to strengthen public institutions, improve governance and enhance service delivery under the ARISE Agenda.