Edo Assembly orders ESSC members to show certificates before payroll inclusion

Lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly have mandated that members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) provide valid training certificates as a requirement for being placed on the government payroll.

The directive was issued by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, during plenary on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of compliance with professional requirements before payments are processed.

Speaker Agbebaku instructed council chairmen to ensure that only corps members with the requisite training documentation are considered for salary disbursement, in response to ongoing concerns raised by ESSC personnel regarding payments.

In a related development, the House gave a second reading to a bill aimed at regulating tourism and hospitality establishments in Edo State. The proposed legislation seeks to improve security by mandating proper documentation of guests in hotels, apartments, and other hospitality centres.

Speaking on the matter, the bill sponsors and the Majority Leader, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, highlighted the security benefits of the legislation.

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“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,” Ibhamawu said.

He explained that the bill will enable authorities to track individuals, curb criminal activity, and boost investor and tourist confidence in the state.

The proposed law would require hotel operators to submit regular reports on guest data and activities to relevant security agencies. Hon. Isibor Addeh, representing Esan North-East I, stressed the importance of proper guest identification, suggesting the use of National Identification Numbers (NIN) and voter’s cards, as well as the installation of CCTV systems in hotels and apartments to enhance monitoring and safety.

Hon. Maria Edekor, a former Deputy Speaker of the 8th Assembly, also supported the bill, noting that it would strengthen security and reinforce confidence among investors and tourists in Edo State’s hospitality sector.

The Assembly’s dual focus on ensuring professional compliance within the ESSC and regulating the hospitality industry reflects its broader agenda of improving public safety and promoting investor-friendly policies across Edo State.