Cross River trains climate-smart officers
The Cross River State Government, in collaboration with the FAO, the Global Environment Facility and the FOLUR-NG Programme, is conducting a Train-the-Trainers workshop to strengthen extension services and promote climate-smart farming for cocoa, oil palm and staple crops across the state. The capacity-building program equips extension officers with modern techniques to boost productivity and resilience to climate change, with sessions on climate science, AFOLU practices, agroforestry, gender equality, and safeguarding against exploitation. The initiative aims to cascade to farmers through participating communities in the coming months.
Cross River digitises medical supply
The Cross River State Government, in collaboration with Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), is digitising the medical supply chain from the Central Medical Store to health facilities across Cross River. On July 31, 2026, in Calabar, Health Commissioner Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk welcomed the ECEWS team as they discuss deploying ENVO, a digital logistics platform. The goal is real-time stock visibility, expiry tracking, and electronic movement records to prevent stock-outs and improve accountability. The Ministry of Health and LMCU will oversee implementation with state personnel training.
South-South LG Autonomy Pending
The South-South region, including Cross River and Rivers states, is yet to domesticate key constitutional amendments on local government autonomy, state electricity, and state police, a survey by NAN shows as of July 31, 2026. Governors and lawmakers in Rivers have acted in pockets, while Cross River’s council autonomy remains largely on paper. Residents say direct funding and real local control could boost grassroots development and security, with states urged to accelerate implementation.
EFCC e-auction reform boosts integrity
Cross River residents will soon benefit from the EFCC’s move to digital asset disposal, as the commission shifts from physical auctions to an open online E-Auction platform. The reform aims to curb collation and undervaluation, expanding public access and ensuring transparent bidding for forfeited assets. Nigerians nationwide can register, verify, deposit, and bid online, with proceeds going to government coffers. The framework is backed by POCA 2022 and endorsed by industry bodies, enhancing accountability in asset recovery across the country.
NIS warns fake immigration sites
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) warns Nigerians about scammers impersonating its platforms and directing applicants to fake websites for passport, visa, and other immigration services. The notice, issued on July 31, 2026, stresses using only official portals for passport applications, e-Visa, Temporary Work Permit, and the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (eCERPAC), with dedicated portals for each service. The NIS also promotes its Mobile Application for Contactless Passport Application available on Apple iOS and Google Play, urging the public to verify websites before sharing personal data or making payments.
Resident doctors deadline strike
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a final deadline of August 10, 2026, threatening a total nationwide strike if the Federal Government does not address key welfare and professional concerns. In a communique from its July NEC meeting in Gombe, NARD says ongoing arrears in CONMESS adjustments, professional allowances, and promotion payments remain unresolved. Cross River State hospitals, including facilities in Calabar, could face service disruptions as doctors prepare to withdraw non-emergency services if no agreement is reached by the deadline.
Oloyede bows out, integrity urged
Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the outgoing Registrar of JAMB, uses his handover in Abuja to stress that strong institutions built on integrity and transparency sustain reforms in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions. He highlights five core principles—staff welfare, discipline, technology, transparency, networking—and notes continued investment in digital systems to reduce malpractice. The new Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, vows to uphold fairness and accountability while expanding CBT, CAPS, and security measures to benefit Cross River students and other Nigerian applicants.
Cross River Travel Expenditure Revealed
Cross River State Government reports show that N3.3 billion was spent on local travels, training and related costs, and N278 million on international travels in the first six months of 2026. The budget performance findings, reviewed by CrossRiverWatch from January to June 2026, indicate that international trips rank among top expenditures while Local travels and training consume a substantial portion of the remaining budget. The disclosure, published in July 2026, questions spending patterns and calls for transparency in allocation and oversight for Cross River residents.
FG reveals safe schools plan
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, announces a strengthened Safe Schools Initiative with tighter security coordination, improved emergency response, and protection of educational facilities nationwide. After an interface with the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Safe Schools, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa says the national framework will be implemented across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. The move aims to keep classrooms secure and learning uninterrupted, with Cross River State schools and residents set to benefit from the enhanced security measures.
NAFDAC warns small business owners
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, warns micro, small, and medium enterprises to stop using consultants for registration, citing fraud risk. NAFDAC says it works directly with applicants through official channels, keeping procedures accessible and affordable to help Cross River communities comply with food, drug, cosmetic, medical device, and packaged water standards. MSMEs are urged to apply via NAFDAC portals and seek agency guidance to avoid intermediaries.
Cross River Shuts Down Outreach
The Cross River State Ministry of Health halted an unauthorized medical outreach organized by Lucklife International in Calabar on July 31, 2026. Health officials—led by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk—stopped the activity at 101 MCC Road and demanded formal approval before any future events. The ministry urged residents to verify outreach approvals to ensure safety and quality of care. Lucklife International has been instructed to halt services and apply to the ministry for regulatory clearance; officials say no medical outreach can operate in Cross River State without prior approval.
CRSHIA commends CR HoS
The Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA) highlights the leadership of the Head of Service, Mr. Orok Bassey Okon, Esq., who publicly enrolls in the State Health Insurance Scheme during today’s session at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar. The enrollment aims to widen coverage and boost Universal Health Coverage. CRSHIA Director-General Dr. Godwin Iyala notes the act will encourage workers in both formal and informal sectors to join, strengthening participation and trust in the scheme across Cross River State.
Cross River launches smart surveillance
Cross River State Government has approved Phase One of a state-wide Smart Surveillance Infrastructure Project to strengthen public safety and climate resilience. The initiative, approved by the State Executive Council, covers design, supply, installation and commissioning of advanced cameras and AI-driven analytics in Calabar and key towns. Huawei Technologies, via its local partner, will implement the system, linking a central Command Centre to protect critical assets, monitor floods, improve traffic, and speed emergency responses. The project aims to enhance governance and attract investment.
Nigeria’s Rape Law Gaps
The News Agency of Nigeria report explains Nigeria’s rape laws, including the Criminal Code, Penal Code and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, and highlights enforcement gaps that affect Cross River residents and other Nigerians. It notes challenges such as delayed reporting, limited forensic capacity, and judicial delays, while calling for stronger enforcement, survivor support, and dedicated gender-based violence courts. The piece features expert commentary on the need for immediate reporting and improved resources to strengthen prosecutions nationwide.
Ogogo Foundation in Obanliku
The Joseph Ogogo Foundation has completed its third humanitarian outreach in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State, delivering healthcare services, essential relief items, and renewed hope to hundreds of residents. The initiative, aligned with the group’s education-first mission, emphasizes supporting vulnerable families while promoting community development and access to quality healthcare. Local leaders praised the organized effort and urged continued partnerships to extend programs to other rural communities within Cross River.