Benue Assembly Public Hearing Bills focus on snakebite treatment, local government reform, and new agencies to boost governance in the state

The Benue Assembly Public Hearing Bills exercise took place during plenary in Makurdi, where lawmakers reiterated their commitment to passing legislation that reflects the needs and expectations of citizens across the state.

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Speaker Rt. Hon. Alfred Aondoaver Emberga, represented by his deputy Rt. Hon. Lami Danladi Lawrence, said the initiative demonstrates the legislature’s determination to ensure participatory lawmaking and responsive governance.

He noted that the hearing, held shortly after a previous engagement, underscores the Assembly’s sustained effort to involve citizens and stakeholders in shaping critical state policies.

According to Emberga, the bills under consideration are designed to strengthen governance structures and improve service delivery, particularly at the grassroots level where the impact is most needed.

One of the proposed laws seeks to provide free medical treatment for snakebite victims in public hospitals, alongside the establishment of a dedicated control committee to coordinate responses and improve emergency management.

The Speaker described snakebite incidents as a neglected but serious public health challenge, particularly in rural communities where farmers are most affected, stressing that the proposed law would eliminate financial barriers to treatment.

Another bill under review proposes the establishment of the Benue State Road Maintenance Agency, aimed at improving road infrastructure management and long-term sustainability.

Lawmakers are also considering legislation to create the Forestry, Mines and Solid Minerals Management Commission, as well as a bill to repeal and re-enact the Benue State Local Government Law of 2007.

The proposed local government reform seeks to modernise administrative structures, enhance accountability, and align grassroots governance with current legal and operational standards.

The Assembly said the public hearing was designed to gather wide-ranging input from traditional rulers, civil society organisations, experts, and members of the public to ensure balanced and effective legislation.

In his remarks, Majority Leader Sir Thomas Dugeri described the hearing as a vital pillar of democratic governance rather than a routine legislative procedure, emphasising the importance of public participation in lawmaking.

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All submissions from stakeholders are expected to be reviewed by relevant standing committees before final passage of the bills.