Bill Seeking to Repeal, Re-enact Administration of Urban Development Passes Second Reading in Kogi Assembly
A bill for a law to repeal and re-enact for the administration of physical planning, urban development, urban registration and building control and related purposes in Kogi State has passed through the second reading in Kogi State House of Assembly.
Leading the debate on the merit and spirit of the bill during plenary sitting on the floor of the House , Hon Emmanuel Obaro who represents Yagba East state constituency and the sponsor of the private member bill, recalled that the bill had passed through its first reading on Wednesday January 31st, 2024.
Hon Emmanuel Obaro said the proposed law on Urban and Regional Planning and Development is to update efficient placement of land-use activities,special design practice, structural development across the state.
According to the lawmaker, one of the important objectives of the bill is to modernize the efforts of the state government in ensuring limitations to the intervention in natural areas by bringing about a balance amongst popular, growth, housing and employment in residential areas of the state.
While stating that Kogi State has no all inclusive law to deal extensively with Urban and Regional Planning and Development matters, he said the available one since 1991 has not been reviewed to meet modern needs .
He stressed the importance of planning to the aesthetic value of a city which he said depends largely on the existing planning law
The sponsor of the bill then gave insights to what the bill looks like, saying it is drafted in seven parts and 91 sections
He added that the 46 page bill proposes to have two agencies of government which are Kogi State Physical Planning Permit and Building Control Agency and Jogi State Urban Renewal Agency
Obaro also disclosed that the proposed bill in section 5 pro ides for the function of the state Ministry of Physical, Urban and Regional Planning with such responsibilities for the initiation, formulation and execution of policies of the state regarding urban development and others .
Supporting the bill ,lawmakers praised the sponsor of the bill for a thorough research on the subject matter and also stressed the importance of planning in urban development,urging that the bill should be given necessary legislative works to accelerate its third reading and passage into law.
Amongst the lawmakers who contributed to the merits of the bill are Hon Bin-Ebaiya Shehu Tijani ( representative of Lokoja 1 ), Hon Ochidi Usman Shehu (Dekina/Biraidu), Hon Abu Onuru-Oiza Jibrin ( Ajaokuta) , Hon Jacob Olawumi (Mopamuro), Hon Sunday Daku (Bassa ),Hon Yusuf Zakari Eneve ( Okene 11) and Hon Otokiti Alhasan Zakariya ( Okehi ).
Thereafter, the Deputy Speaker , Rt Hon Mrs Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba appreciated the sponsor of the bill, reiterating that it was a well researched bill, pointing out that there has never been a bill like this since the state creation in 1991.
She averred that when the bill is passed into law , local government areas will benefit from it
Ruling on the bill, the Speaker ,RtHon Aliyu Umar Yusuf who observed that due diligence should always be done by consulting with appropriate stakeholders before the sponsorship of a bill as in this case, said this would enable everyone to be on the same page during public sitting .
He urged all stakeholders to key into the spirit of the bill so that Kogi state will become a well planned state and better than as it is.
He then directed the Clerk of the House and Head of Legislative Service, Alh Chogudo Ahmed Sule ,to give the bill it’s second reading.
