The Edo State House of Assembly on Monday received a formal message from Governor Monday Okpebholo transmitting the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill for legislative consideration and approval.
Speaker Yekini Idaiye read the governor’s letter during plenary in Benin and confirmed that the proposal had been forwarded to the House for action. He announced that the supplementary budget would be listed on the Order Paper for detailed consideration at a later date.
Earlier in the same sitting, the Assembly referred a bill for a law to establish the Edo State Emergency Management Agency to the Committee on Environment and Sustainability for further legislative work.
The referral followed a motion moved by Majority Leader Sunday Ojezele and seconded by Mr. Charity Aiguobarueghian (Ovia North-East II).
Leading the debate, Ojezele cited Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. He explained that the bill seeks to create a clear legal and operational framework for the proposed agency and its governing council to respond effectively to emergencies, including flooding during the rainy season and environmental challenges associated with prolonged dry weather.
Several lawmakers supported the bill. Mr. Edosa Richard (Oredo West), Mrs. Natasha Osawaru (Egor), Mr. Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo II), and Mrs. Maria Edeko (Esan North-East II) stressed the importance of establishing an effective emergency management system to protect lives and property. They noted that the proposed law would provide the necessary legal backing for emergency response, including access to budgetary allocations and relief materials.
Following the contributions, Speaker Idaiye referred the bill to the relevant committee for further legislative processing.
The House thereafter adjourned plenary to Tuesday, October 13.
