Eben Enasco Reporting.
Lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly say members of the Edo State Security Corpse, ESSC, must produce training certificates as a condition to be considered on the government payroll.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Blessing Agbebaku gave the directive during plenary, on Wednesday, citing the need for compliance with requirements.
The lawmaker also said, they have advanced a bill to regulate the hospitality sector, aiming to boost security.
Agbebaku, responding to ESSC members’ salary concerns, directed council chairmen to only consider corps members with the required training certificates for payments.
In another development, the House has given a second reading to a bill aimed at regulating tourism and hospitality centres in the state.
The proposed law seeks to ensure proper documentation of guests in hotels and apartments, enhancing security and boosting confidence in the tourism sector.
The bill sponsors and the Majority Leader, Hon.Jonathan Ibhamawu, argue that it will help track individuals, reduce crime, and promote investor and tourist confidence.
He noted, “It is awkward that the identities of many guests who check into hotels or apartments in Edo State are not properly recorded, thereby posing security threats.”
The legislation would also mandate hotel operators to submit regular reports on guest data and activities to relevant authorities.
Hon Isibor Addeh, representing Esan North-East I, emphasized the need for proper identification, citing its role in tracking individuals and reducing crime.
He suggested using National Identification Numbers, NIN, and voter’s cards, and recommended CCTV systems in hotels and apartments to boost security.
Hon Maria Edekor a former deputy speaker of the 8th assembly, echoed this, saying the bill would strengthen security and enhance investor and tourist confidence in the state.