Felix Otaru, Lokoja
A bill for a law to repeal and re-enact for the administration of physical planning, urban development and registration, building control and related purposes in Kogi State has passed second reading on the floor of Kogi State House of Assembly.
Leading the debate on the merit and spirit of the bill during plenary , 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.
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 reality.
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 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 Kogi State Urban Renewal Agency.
Obaro also noted that the proposed bill in section 5 provides 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 One), Hon Ochidi Usman Shehu (Dekina/Biraidu), Hon Abu Jibril ( Ajaokuta) , Hon Jacob Olawumi (Mopa/Amuro), Hon Sunday Daku (Bassa ),Hon Yusuf Zakari Eneve ( Okene Two) and Hon Otokiti Alhasan Zakariya ( Okehi ).
Thereafter, the Deputy Speaker , Rt Hon Mrs Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola 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 ,Rt. Hon 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.
The Speaker then directed the Clerk of the House and Head of Legislative Service, Alhaji Chogudo Ahmed Sule to give the bill its second reading.
