Calabar news in brief for January 23: Friday’s top headlines

NEPC Targets Sustainable Non-Oil Export Growth

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) aims to achieve sustainable growth in non-oil exports for 2026. This initiative focuses on diversifying Nigeria’s export base beyond crude oil, a move that will directly benefit Cross River State’s potential in sectors like agriculture and solid minerals. The council plans to implement strategies to boost the competitiveness of Nigerian products in the international market, thereby creating financial opportunities and enhancing foreign exchange earnings for the nation, including Cross River residents. Source

Rep Akiba’s N100 Million Educational Support

Representative Bassey Akiba has launched a N100 million educational support program benefiting schools within the Calabar Municipality. This initiative aims to bolster educational resources and infrastructure across the area. The program’s beneficiaries include a list of schools that will receive direct support to enhance their learning environments and operational capacities. Source

Review Workers’ Compensation Framework

The Federal Government is calling for a review of the current workers’ compensation framework to better support families affected by workplace accidents or deaths. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, stated that the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010 needs urgent revision to match with present financial realities, as compensation amounts are often inadequate. This review aims to ensure that workplace safety is prioritized and that affected households receive support that restores dignity, emphasizing that no job is worth human life. Source

NITDA Champions Digital Inclusion for PwDs

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) emphasizes that Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) are active contributors to national development, not merely recipients of charity. This stance was highlighted at the closing ceremony of a two-day training for PwDs in Abuja, organized under NITDA’s Digital Literacy For All (DL4ALL) initiative. The program aims to achieve 70% digital literacy by 2027 and 95% by 2030, ensuring no citizen is left behind in the digital age. NITDA’s Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, stated that digital change is incomplete without the inclusion of over 30 million Nigerians with disabilities, stressing that accessibility to digital platforms is key to unlocking their potential as innovators and entrepreneurs. Source

Army Tackles Oil Theft in Niger Delta

The Nigerian Army has implemented a complete strategy to combat oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta. This multi-pronged approach includes sustained patrols, intelligence-led operations, and encouraging community ownership of national assets. Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, stated that security forces are adapting to sophisticated tactics used by criminals by enhancing surveillance and inter-agency coordination. The strategy also focuses on disrupting the support structures for illegal refining, such as markets and logistics, and encouraging host communities to protect critical infrastructure, which has reportedly led to zero pipeline vandalism incidents in the past year. Source

NITP Cross River Chapter Elects New Leaders

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Cross River State Chapter, has successfully concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2025. The event marked a significant leadership transition, with a new mandate established for the chapter’s future direction. The AGM focused on honouring past contributions and setting a course for continued development within the town planning profession in Cross River State. Source