Federal arms destruction 2026
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) reports that 1,419 illicit weapons were destroyed and 5,449 firearms recovered nationwide in 2026. The NCCSALW Director-General, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, announced at a briefing in Abuja on September 1, 2026, that the July 30 destruction exercise in Abuja removed weapons from circulation. The initiative aims to prevent arms from reaching non-state actors and curtail violent crime. Cross River residents can expect continued seizures, stockpile management training, and a forthcoming national Small Arms Survey to guide policy.
Nigeria Reaffirms ECOWAS Commitment
The Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to the growth and stability of ECOWAS during a handover ceremony in Abuja. He outlines Nigeria’s support for regional integration, with emphasis on peace and security as the foundation for economic collaboration. He urges prudent budget management and cost efficiency in ECOWAS institutions, stressing that resources should directly benefit citizens and projects across member states, including Cross River residents through shared regional initiatives.
Cross River Land Dispute Action
Chief Joe Obi Bisong, Chairman of the Conflict Reconciliation and Peace Resolution Committee, calls for urgent, coordinated action against criminality in Boje, Nsadop, and Isobendeghe in Boki LGA, Cross River State. Dated August 31, 2026, the piece notes rising banditry, armed robbery, and cultism that threaten lives and property. Bisong urges traditional rulers, political and community leaders to work with security agencies and government authorities. The August 5, 2026 disappearance of two Osokom youths underscores the need for swift justice.
JAMB, WAEC Verify O’Level Fees
Cross River students and admission seekers should note that JAMB and WAEC have announced a one-off verification fee of ₦4,000 for WAEC/WASSCE O’Level results. The joint statement, issued on September 1, 2026, confirms that candidates will verify their results once via the JAMB verification platform, after which the verified outcome will be shared with the receiving institutions. This move aims to reduce multiple payments and trips for admission processing across Cross River institutions.
Ariwoola Council Warns Candidates
The Council of the Wise, headed by former Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, urges presidential hopefuls to keep campaigns peaceful ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking in Abuja during an advocacy session with PRP candidate Donald Duke, the group calls for adherence to electoral laws, issue-based dialogue, and restraint from hate speech and provocation. The Savannah Centre-backed initiative, reconstituted in 2026, aims to safeguard credible polls that involve Cross River indigenes and residents.
Otu Commissions MBube Health Centre
Governor Otu today commissioned the Egbe MBube Health Centre in Odey, Cross River State, and announced the adoption of 1,000 MBube indigenes into the state health insurance scheme. The move aims to improve primary healthcare access, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and strengthen local health services for residents of MBube communities. Officials say the new facility will enhance maternal and child health, emergency care, and routine screenings, with rollout details expected to follow in the coming months.
Cross River Food Bank Prep
The Cross River State Government is strengthening health capacity ahead of its Food Bank Programme. Dr Vivien Mesembe Otu, the Director-General of CRSPHCDA, leads a two-day, state-wide training for frontline health workers in Calabar Municipality, Ikom, and Ogoja Local Government Areas, organized with the NPHCDA.Participants will learn beneficiary screening, nutrition needs assessment, and use of a Digital Beneficiary Platform to reach vulnerable households, especially malnourished children and pregnant women, ensuring proper targeting and effective delivery.
Wealth Creation Ministry Charges Staff
The Cross River State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment holds an in-house training for newly employed staff in Calabar on August 31, 2026, to strengthen discipline, professionalism, and effective service delivery. The program covers public service procedures, the ministry’s mandate and operations, financial regulations, and administrative principles. Participants are urged to uphold punctuality, proper dress, and teamwork to ensure the ministry achieves its development objectives for Cross River State.
Gov Otu Pledges Infrastructure Revival
Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Otu pledges sustained development for the Northern Senatorial District during a stakeholder engagement at the Ogoja Local Government Council. He highlights priority on critical bridges and roads, affirms progress toward establishing a northern university with strong medical programs, and commits to reviving Okuku International Market with improved electricity supply. The aims are to reconnect farmers to markets, expand local jobs, and strengthen healthcare and education across Cross River North.
Uphold Ethics, Ensure Accountability
The Cross River State Due Process and Price Intelligence Bureau conducted a one-day in-house training for personnel recruited from 2019 to date at the Bureau’s Calabar headquarters on Monday, August 31, 2026, to strengthen professionalism, efficiency and accountability in the public service. The programme, opened by the Director-General, emphasized discipline, adherence to civil service rules and updated guidelines issued in March 2026. Participants received sessions on ethics, ICT, financial regulations, and procurement procedures, with a plan to institutionalise the programme quarterly to sustain performance.
Alake backs South-South minerals
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announces that his ministry will support the South-South Development Commission to unlock the region’s solid mineral wealth from Abuja, with ongoing reforms positioning mining as a driver of industrial growth and job creation. The move, which involves state-level participation and licencing under a unified regulatory framework, aims to boost revenue and attract investment. Cross River residents and businesses could benefit from increased formal mining activity, jobs, and environmental safeguards as the framework progresses and states align with national policy.
Experts seek contraception access
WARDC-led experts convened in Nigeria to push wider access to contraception and reproductive health services, highlighting the need for affordable options and accurate information for women and families. The discussion covered policy support, funding, and service delivery improvements to ensure women in Cross River State and across the country can obtain safe, reliable family planning. The meeting emphasized community education, youth-friendly services, and stronger collaboration among health agencies to reduce barriers to access and improve maternal health outcomes.
NSCDC Cracks Illegal Mining
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals report a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, arresting hundreds and securing over 150 convictions as of September 1, 2026. Speaking from Abuja, ACC Babawale Afolabi highlighted ongoing operations that target both Nigerian and foreign miners threatening mineral resources. The drive combines enforcement with intelligence and community engagement to protect mining communities, including those in Cross River State, while ensuring disciplined conduct within the force. Citizens are urged to report suspected sites to aid further dismantling of criminal networks.
CIoD launches Chartered Director
Cross River boards and institutions will benefit as the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (CIoD) unveils the Chartered Director Certification Programme to raise director competence and governance standards nationwide. At a Lagos briefing on September 1, 2026, CIoD outlined a three-stage pathway combining learning, practical assessment and professional interviews. Registration opens immediately with the first cycle starting September 22, 2026, and successful candidates will earn the Ch.Dir designation, signaling enhanced leadership and accountability across corporate, public and not-for-profit sectors including Cross River entities.
Cross River audit law amendment
The Cross River State Audit Service Commission on September 1, 2026, calls for stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Justice to strengthen transparency and prudent management of public resources. The Commission presented the Cross River State Audit Law 2021 for review, seeking amendments to enhance compliance with auditing standards. The Attorney General pledged support and possible legal action against non-compliant institutions. This move aims to boost governance and accountability across Cross River institutions.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-09-09T22:00:27.427+02:00