Tax Ombud curbs multiple taxation
The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) led by Dr. John Nwabueze says it is tackling multiple taxation and other systemic issues to boost taxpayer confidence across Nigeria, including Cross River State residents. At a Lagos briefing on August 8, 2026, the OTO announced new mediation and complaint-resolution measures, a digital complaints portal, and a planned nationwide rollout of local offices. Taxpayers in Cross River will access faster redress, with cases resolved within 14 days and greater access to tax-related information.
Development from the People
Amb. Kennedy Njar-Nsan, an academic and candidate for the Cross River State House of Assembly representing Ikom I, says developmental projects must emanate from the people, not those in power. In Cross River, he highlights neglect in Ikom, calling for regular town halls and oversight to ensure roads, electricity, and schools meet community needs. As he contemplates the 2027 election, he pledges to place citizens’ priorities at the forefront of governance.
Tension Mounts Over Inah Property
Cross River residents are following the sale dispute of late Head of Service Wilfred Oden Inah’s property in Calabar. The Calitown report, published August 9, 2026, outlines irregularities as a buyer, Michael Emele, seeks possession of No. 63 Ibom Layout, Calabar Municipality. It quotes family members and a lawyer, and explains Nigerian law on intestate estates, noting that court authorization is needed for any sale. Authorities and family members are pursuing a peaceful resolution and proper administration of the estate.
Calabar Church Service Ends
On August 9, 2026, at the Chapel of Redemption on the University of Calabar (UNICAL) campus, Cross River State Police Command ends a church service amid a leadership tussle within the congregation. DCP Godwin Etim leads the operation, saying the move aims to prevent violence as two factions claim control. He reports engaging both sides and invites them to a meeting at the police office by 12 noon tomorrow to discuss solutions, while ordering worship to wind down to protect lives and property.
JAMB resolves 5k complaints
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, has addressed more than 5,000 pending complaints in five days to improve service delivery to candidates nationwide, including Cross River State residents. The update, issued from Abuja through the board’s SERVICOM Unit, shows the Registrar relocating to the SERVICOM desk to oversee prompt resolutions of issues such as profile-code creation, biometric verification, CAPS handling, and payment mistakes. The move is part of JAMB’s Five Enduring Pillars, emphasizing service at the heart of operations and aims to ensure timely, accurate outcomes for all applicants.
Pension Reform Urged Nationwide
A retired pension officer, Mrs Maria Etukudoh, has urged the government to raise the living wage and strengthen the pension system in Nigeria, presenting her call at a retirement event after 25 years in the Federal Civil Service. She argues for humane pension policies that secure workers’ welfare during employment and post-retirement. Her remarks underscore ongoing federal efforts to reform pension administration, with Cross River residents and other public servants potentially benefiting from timely pension payments and improved exit benefits as reforms proceed.
Nigeria’s Last Elephants Fight
Conservationists report that Nigeria’s remaining forest elephants are battling for survival in Cross River’s protected areas, with Nigeria’s southern region feeling the impact of habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflict. Researchers and local rangers are coordinating patrols and community outreach to protect the elephants and surrounding communities. The effort, centered in the Cross River National Park and adjacent reserves, aims to curb illegal activity, strengthen protections, and secure sustainable livelihoods for residents who rely on the forest. Officials urge ongoing funding and collaboration.
Cross River backs youth development
Cross River State Government in Calabar has reaffirmed its commitment to placing young people at the center of governance, marking International Youth Day 2026 held on Monday, August 10. The Commissioner for Youth Development outlined the Skills in the Hands Programme, paid internships, and partnerships with the United Nations Nigerian Jubilee Fellowship to broaden work placements. The administration urged private sector partners, banks, and universities to join in expanding internships, entrepreneurship financing, and digital opportunities for Cross River youths.
CROSIEC trains electoral officers
The Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) has organized a training programme for newly appointed Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers and Store Officers to strengthen their capacity ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in Cross River State. The session, opened by the State Secretary Lawrence Edu in Calabar, covers administrative procedures, election management and neutral conduct. Officials from the Civil Service Commission and Head of Service urged professionalism and impartiality, stressing proper management of records as the elections approach.
NYSC Pass-Out Date 2026
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that 2025 Batch B Stream II corps members will pass out on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Cross River State residents should note that certificates will be distributed at the Local Government level on the pass-out day, with corps members and employers urged to prepare for the exercise. The NYSC statement, issued by Director Caroline Embu, calls on corps members to liaise with NYSC officials for certificate collection and related arrangements.
Calabar hosts PDP candidate Ifere
Comr. Dan Obo Jnr., the Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Youth Mobilization, hosts PDP Central Senatorial District candidate John Ifere in Calabar. The courtesy visit with Obo provided a platform to discuss issues affecting the Central Senatorial District ahead of the forthcoming general elections. Ifere, an indigene of the district, reiterated his ambition to represent Cross River at the National Assembly and to foster economic development and improved living standards. Obo welcomed Ifere, and they exchanged views on key district challenges and potential collaborative efforts for progress.
Regulators to Hold DisCos Accountable
Cross River residents and institutions stand to gain as the state strengthens oversight of electricity distributors. The August 10, 2026 report explains how the Electricity Act 2023 and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions empower regulators to enforce service standards, penalties for failures, and consumer refunds when billing or power supply falls short. The piece highlights gaps in enforcement and urges swift, fair action to improve power supply for households, schools, clinics, and local businesses in Cross River.
Otu celebrates Yilwatda at 58
Governor Bassey Otu hosts APC chairman Yilwatda in Calabar on his 58th birthday, saying the party is poised for greater electoral success. The Cross River State event highlights party unity and grassroots mobilization ahead of upcoming elections. Attendees include Cross River APC leaders and supporters who express confidence in continued local development and voter engagement across the state. The Governor commends Yilwatda’s leadership and calls for sustained collaborative efforts to strengthen Cross River’s political landscape.
UNICROSS Zhejiang Partnership Deepens
The Vice-Chancellor of UNICROSS, Professor Francisca Bassey, leads university management and SKYRUN International in inspecting facilities set for the UNICROSS-Zhejiang College partnership. The visit, in Calabar on August 10, 2026, assesses classrooms and offices slated for renovation, ICT upgrades, and furnishings ahead of programme start. The MoU with Zhejiang College (October 2025) aims to strengthen international collaboration and student opportunities, with SKYRUN supporting modern equipment to ensure a smooth rollout for staff and students.