EDHA orders training certificates for ESSC salaries

… Moves to regulate hospitality sector

BENIN CITY – The Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) has directed members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) to present evidence of training as a prerequisite for the payment of their monthly salaries.

Speaker of the House, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, gave the directive on Wednesday during plenary while responding to complaints and appeals from ESSC personnel over salary payments.

He instructed local government council chairmen to ensure that only duly trained corps members are considered for salary disbursement.

Meanwhile, the House has advanced legislative action on a bill seeking to regulate tourism and hospitality establishments in the state, with a view to strengthening security.

Leading the debate, Majority Leader, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, said that the proposed law would mandate proper documentation of guests in hotels, guest houses, and apartments, noting that the absence of such records poses significant security risks.

“It is unacceptable that identities of many guests are not properly recorded, thereby creating security vulnerabilities,” he said.

According to him, the bill would require hospitality operators to obtain valid identification from guests and maintain accurate records, while also submitting periodic reports on guest data and activities to relevant authorities.

Contributing, Hon. Isibor Addeh stressed that effective security depends on proper identification systems, adding that documents such as the National Identification Number (NIN) and voter’s card would aid in tracking individuals and curbing crime.

He also recommended the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems in hotels and apartments to monitor movements within such facilities.

Similarly, Hon. Maria Edekor noted that the legislation would boost investor and tourist confidence by enhancing security across the state.