Abia State House of Assembly has taken a significant step toward economic independence by passing the Abia State Ministry of Finance (Incorporated) Bill 2024, also known as H.A.B 27. This newly enacted law will establish the Abia State Ministry of Finance (Incorporated) and focuses on empowering the state’s economy by attracting private sector investment and creating wealth.

The bill, which was quickly passed after in-depth discussions, was introduced by Majority Leader Okoro Uchenna Kalu, representing Arochukwu State Constituency. Lawmakers emphasized that this move is essential for reducing the state’s reliance on federal allocations, with the law expected to come into effect on November 26, 2024.

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During the plenary session, the Assembly also addressed a pressing issue raised by Egwuronu Ochuru Obasi, the representative for Ohafia North State Constituency. He called for an investigation into adverse drug reactions suffered by residents in Abiriba after consuming medication from a free medical outreach conducted by the donor agency Imo-Hope for the Hopeless.

The Assembly expressed concern, noting that the agency had not received approval from the appropriate authorities before carrying out the outreach. In response, the Assembly directed the Ministry of Health to investigate the origin of the drugs and the involvement of the donor agency in the distribution.