Cross River Governor Signs Health Sector Reform Bills

On April 8, 2026, Cross River Governor Bassey Otu signed four significant bills into law, marking a critical milestone in his administration's reform agenda aimed at improving the health, environment, and education sectors. During the signing ceremony held in Calabar, Governor Otu emphasized the importance of strengthening the health system, stating that "anything health is not a joke." The bills are designed to respond to the immediate needs of the people.

One of the key highlights is the establishment of the Cross River State College of Health Sciences, which will replace the former College of Health Technology and upgrade the polytechnic's broader academic mandate. This initiative is expected to enhance training capacity in health-related fields and unlock funding opportunities aligned with national standards.

Additionally, the Cross River State Hospital Management Board Law 2026 was enacted to create a central body overseeing public secondary health facilities, alongside the introduction of management committees for general hospitals and regulations for traditional medicine practitioners.