Murray-Bruce on Nigeria refineries
Former Senator Benedict Murray-Bruce has pressed the Federal Government to apologize for its inability to fix or build Nigeria’s refineries. Speaking during an interview at the Dangote Refinery inauguration in Lagos, he said the country’s leadership must acknowledge the failures and set a clear plan for rehabilitation. The call targets national policy direction and funding strategies, urging accountability to ensure Nigeria’s fuel security improves and jobs are safeguarded for workers nationwide, including Cross River residents.
Charges Abuja Liaison Staff
On June 24, 2025, the Cross River State Special Duties Commissioner directs staff at the Abuja Liaison Office to boost efficiency and uphold strict discipline in daily duties. The Head of Service reiterates the Governor’s commitment to improving civil service welfare and urges the Abuja team to demonstrate renewed dedication, avoid indiscipline, and address concerns about promotions and casual workers integration. The liaison office staff are told to refrain from any monetary transactions related to promotions, which are deemed illegal, and to align with ongoing state reforms aimed at better service delivery for Cross River residents.
Digital payments boost financial inclusion
The Central Bank of Nigeria says digital payment channels will deepen financial inclusion and spur Nigeria’s growth, a policy with direct benefits for Cross River residents. At a financial fair in Nasarawa State, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso highlighted alternative payment channels as tools for stability, inclusion, and development, with PSV 2028 targeting 95% inclusion. The bank stresses expanding digital infrastructure, improving literacy, and safeguarding users as more Nigerians adopt POS, mobile money, QR payments, and internet banking to support local businesses and households in Cross River and beyond.
Agiangie Calls INEC Ahead 2027
Clement Agiangie, the NDC South-South Zonal Secretary, tells INEC to conduct the 2027 general elections free, fair, transparent and credible, citing Osun State lessons to avoid rigging, glitches, or manipulation. The statement urges strengthened electoral technology, better logistics, voter accreditation, and inclusive engagement with parties and observers. He calls for early preparations and a post-election review to fix identified gaps before 2027. Cross River residents should expect continuous oversight, peaceful participation, and rejection of inducement in the voting process.
FG unveils National Digital Cloud Policy
The Federal Government, led by Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani, has launched a National Digital Cloud Policy to spur investment, safeguard digital sovereignty, and transform public services. In Abuja on August 19, 2026, the policy outlines a framework for cloud infrastructure, data governance, and a national marketplace. It aims to attract private investment, create jobs, and position Nigeria as a regional hosting hub, with Cross River institutions and businesses set to benefit from improved cloud services and procurement pathways.
Tinubu pledges peaceful
President Tinubu says the 2027 campaign will be peaceful and issue-based, urging parties and supporters to focus on policy differences and national progress. The pledge, made in Abuja, aims to reduce tension and promote democratic participation across Nigeria, including Cross River State residents who rely on federal policy and security arrangements. Officials say the approach will guide campaign conduct nationwide, with emphasis on transparency, accountability, and inclusive development as the election approaches.
Cross River: Mother Burn Attack
Emmanuel Etim of Akamkpa Local Government Area allegedly assaulted his mother, Mrs. Atim Eyo, and poured fuel on her before setting her ablaze in Ojuah, Akamkpa, on August 14, 2026, following the death of Etim’s daughter. Neighbours intervened and extinguished the fire, and the victim was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police have been informed, and Etim and other family members are reportedly at large as investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the daughter’s death. The incident underscores safety concerns in Cross River communities and has prompted calls for swift legal action to protect residents.
Spin Team Engages Bansara
The Cross River SPIN Project Team, led by State Project Coordinator Engr. Mrs. Justina John Ulafor and National Communication Specialist Engr. Anthea Udo, has held a town hall in Bansara Community, Ogoja LGA, to craft a community-focused Communication Strategy for the SPIN program. The session used Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews, and KoboCollect beneficiary surveys to capture voices from men, women, youths, and Persons with Disabilities. This data will guide transparent information sharing and inclusive project implementation for the 630-hectare Bansara Irrigation Scheme.
PHEOC Renovation: Ayuk Tasks Contractor
Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, has directed the contractor renovating the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre in Calabar to meet standards and complete the project on schedule. Accompanied by the State Epidemiologist, Ayuk inspected the Moore Road facility, stressing quality and timely delivery to bolster disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and rapid response across all 18 Local Government Areas. The upgrade aims to deliver a modern hub for real-time monitoring and coordinated public health action.
Engage Gov. Otu on Policies
Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, calls on opposition politicians to move beyond rudimentary rhetoric and engage Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration on its policies, programmes, and verifiable performance. Speaking at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar on August 18, 2026, Cobham urged a public debate with strong policy propositions. He highlighted Cross River’s engagements outside the state, including funding efforts for the Bakassi Deep Seaport and recognition as an oil-producing state, to show tangible progress.
Ayuk on Quackery Scope
Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, states at a Calabar AMLSN meeting on August 18, 2026, that health workers must operate strictly within their trained competencies to curb quackery. He emphasizes teamwork, with each cadre sticking to defined duties to ensure patient safety and quality care. AMLSN Chairman Prince Osim Ogar commends the ministry’s new hires and presents a position paper on regulatory enforcement and standards to strengthen diagnostic services in Cross River.
Japan funds Nigeria grid expansion
The Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has committed N20 billion to expand and rehabilitate Nigeria’s national electricity grid, with the Apapa Transmission Substation in Lagos as a focal point. The project will rehabilitate critical transmission infrastructure, strengthen grid stability, and improve power evacuation for Lagos and surrounding areas. It includes construction work, equipment procurement, and technical support, involving policy guidance for Nigeria’s power sector; Cross River residents should expect broader, more reliable power nationwide as the reforms unfold.
Prosecutor Absence Delays Bail
The Lumine News reports that Denis Odama, a Cross River State businessman, remains in custody as the Calabar Magistrate Court 1 cannot proceed with his bail application due to the prosecution’s failure to file a formal charge. The court, presided by Magistrate Mercy Ene, sits at Moore Road, Calabar. Odama, from Bekwarra Local Government Area, was remanded at Afokang Correctional Centre after his August 19, 2026 appearance. The matter is adjourned to August 20, 2026, while prosecutors prepare the charge for formal filing.
Cross River Reaffirms Women Farmers
The Cross River State Government, led by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo Jnr., reaffirms its commitment to empowering women farmers at a ceremony in Marian, Calabar, marking the United Nations International Year of the Woman Farmer. The government will expand access to low-interest credit, micro-grants for women-led cooperatives, and land access through traditional authorities, while supplying farm inputs, solar processing equipment and digital extension services to strengthen resilience and value chains across the state.
Sand mining threatens buildings
CUDA has raised alarm over illegal sand mining in Calabar, warning that ongoing excavation near Mechanic Village is causing land degradation and eroding roads, with several houses at risk of collapse. The Calabar Urban Development Authority, led by Executive Secretary Elder Ayi Effiong, conducted an on-site inspection and says immediate action is needed in collaboration with government agencies to halt further mining and stabilise the ravine to protect residents and infrastructure.