Kogi Assembly Passes 59 Bills in Three Years, Speaker Hails Legislative Productivity and Development Gains

The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed 59 out of 76 bills considered since the inauguration of the 8th Assembly, a feat Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf described as a testament to the legislature’s commitment to good governance, infrastructure development and improved social services across the state.

Speaking during the Third Legislative Session Anniversary held on Thursday in Lokoja, Yusuf disclosed that the Assembly recorded a cumulative passage rate of 77.6 per cent over the last three years, reflecting what he described as a focused and productive legislature dedicated to advancing the welfare of Kogi residents.

According to the Speaker, the Assembly received 23 bills during the Third Legislative Session alone, comprising 19 Executive Bills and four Private Members’ Bills. Out of the number, 19 bills have been passed into law, while four are still undergoing committee scrutiny.

“Since the inauguration of the 8th Assembly, we have considered 76 bills, comprising 55 Executive Bills and 21 Private Members’ Bills. Out of these, 59 have been passed into law, while 17 remain at various stages of legislative processing,” he said.

He added: “This translates to an 82.6 per cent passage rate for the current legislative session and 77.6 per cent cumulatively. These figures underscore the Assembly’s commitment to legislative excellence, effective representation and robust engagement with both Executive-sponsored and member-sponsored bills.”

Yusuf described the Assembly as “stable, focused, productive and people-oriented,” noting that it had successfully carried out its constitutional responsibilities without rancour or division since its inauguration.

“We have remained united in purpose and committed to the mandate entrusted to us by the people of Kogi State. Our responsibility is to make laws, appropriate public resources and provide effective oversight, and we have diligently discharged these duties,” he said.

The Speaker attributed much of the Assembly’s success to the cordial relationship between the legislature and the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, stressing that the partnership had accelerated development across the state.

“The harmonious relationship between the Executive and the Legislature has created an enabling environment for governance. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has demonstrated remarkable openness and respect for democratic institutions, making collaboration possible for the benefit of our people,” Yusuf stated.

Highlighting the Assembly’s contributions to development, he said every major project executed by the government was made possible through legislative approval and appropriation of public funds.

“Road construction and rehabilitation projects across urban and rural communities, improvements in healthcare infrastructure, recruitment of health personnel, establishment of tertiary institutions and the payment of WAEC, NECO and JAMB fees for students all passed through legislative scrutiny and appropriation,” he said.

“The legislature holds the power of appropriation and lawmaking. We authorize the expenditure of public resources and create the legal framework within which government programmes operate. Without legislative approval, many of these developmental initiatives would not be possible.”

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that Yusuf called on residents of the state to appreciate the complementary roles played by both the Executive and Legislative arms of government in delivering democratic dividends.

He also paid glowing tribute to former Governor Yahaya Bello, describing him as “the father of modern Kogi State” whose contributions to the state’s unity, growth and transformation remain significant.

The Speaker further commended members of the Assembly for their dedication and quality contributions through bills, motions and debates, while applauding the management and staff of the legislature for their professionalism, loyalty and commitment to service.

“As we begin another legislative year, we must remain steadfast, place the interests of our constituents above all else and continue to deepen transparency, accountability and good governance. Together with the Executive, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and citizens, we will continue to build a Kogi State where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive,” he said.

In separate remarks, members of the Assembly praised the achievements recorded by the House over the past three years and commended Governor Ododo for fostering a peaceful and productive relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

The lawmakers also confirmed retired Air Vice Marshal Umar Farouk as Chairman of the Kogi State Security Trust Fund (KSSTF), expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen security support initiatives across the state.

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