FTAN seeks NIHOTOUR NTDA reforms
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) says NIHOTOUR and NTDA Acts should be reviewed and re‑enacted to clearly spell out agency roles. FTAN held a Lagos news conference on July 15, 2026, marking its one‑year leadership, under President Dr. Aliyu Badaki. The call aims to reduce regulatory overlap and boost investment across Nigeria’s tourism value chain, including Cross River hotels, tour operators, and other tourism businesses, with action expected to move through the National Assembly. FTAN also pitches stronger coordination with government agencies to support job creation and enterprise growth across the sector.
Kamgba Memorial Hospital Commissioned
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey, Ph.D., together with the Ogoja Local Government Council chairman, Chief Hon. Christopher Agbeh, commissioned the 12-bed Kamgba Memorial Hospital at Idum, Mbube in Ogoja. The ceremony highlighted the hospital as a major addition to rural healthcare, with a modern diagnostic laboratory and ward facilities. Founding donor Chief Dr. Joseph Odu Kamgba spoke of long-term plans to expand access to care for residents.
Jarileague celebrates six law grads
The JARILEAGUE Coalition celebrates six graduates who earned LL.B. degrees, together with two associates, highlighting Cross River indigenes advancing in the legal field. The event takes place today, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Little Havana (Airport Field) from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Calabar, with family, friends, and supporters invited. Organizers say the ceremony honors academic achievement and signals a strong start for the graduates as they pursue legal careers in Cross River and beyond.
Same-Sex Prohibition Bill Advances
The Cross River State House of Assembly has moved a step forward with a bill to prohibit same‑sex marriage, as reported from Calabar on July 2026. The measure, introduced this year, seeks to criminalize formal unions between persons of the same sex and related civil actions within Cross River, with sponsors citing cultural and social norms. Lawmakers say the second reading sets the stage for further committee review, public input, and eventual passage aimed at strengthening local family and community standards.
NASME, Cross River MSME Partnership
The Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) has joined with the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) to accelerate MSME growth in Cross River. The partnership was announced during a courtesy visit to MEDA, with NASME’s Cross River Chapter outlining plans for advocacy, capacity building and market linkages that will help local entrepreneurs access financing and development services. MEDA’s leadership described the collaboration as timely, aiming to boost job creation and livelihoods across Calabar and surrounding communities.
Gov Otu exempts female drivers
Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu has announced exemptions for female commercial drivers and male vehicle owners aged 60 and above from vehicle registration fees and daily levies. The policy, disclosed at a Calabar meeting chaired by the Cross River Transport Regulatory Agency, aims to ease costs for transport operators across the state. A statewide enforcement will begin August 1, and the regime will include a revalidation of vehicles with security-coded IDs to strengthen regulation and revenue collection.
Gov Otu approves 40 doctors
Cross River Governor Otu has approved the recruitment of 40 additional medical doctors to strengthen healthcare across the state’s 17 public hospitals. The move, announced in Calabar, covers 20 Medical Officers, 10 Senior Medical Officers and 10 Consultant Medical Specialists. Vacancies will be advertised and filled by the Cross River State Civil Service Commission under CONMESS to attract and retain staff, aiming for three to four doctors per hospital.
Gov Otu hires 25 for CRSNC
Governor Otu has approved the employment of 25 new staff to strengthen the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of the Nigerian Chronicle and Weekend Chronicle, in Calabar. Information Commissioner Erasmus Ekpang disclosed the move after remodeling the Corporation’s 1971-era buildings, noting the Civil Service Commission will handle appointments. The initiative, paired with the hiring of 30 ad-hoc staff to run the new Government Printing Press, aims to boost production, enhance public information delivery, and widen revenue streams for Cross River residents. The changes follow a broader reform drive to revitalize state institutions and public service delivery.
FG rolls out device credit scheme
The Federal Government has launched the Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices (C.L.I.C.K.D) Programme to provide affordable financing for laptops and other internet-enabled tools. In Abuja on July 21, 2026, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), in partnership with the 3MTT initiative, will start nationwide rollout with locally assembled devices prioritized. Cross River residents, including students, civil servants, and small business owners, will access credit through participating financial institutions to acquire essential digital devices and connect to the online economy.
NCC Advocates Evidence-Based Telecom Regulation
NCC says African regulators will deepen collaboration to build a network intelligence ecosystem that supports evidence-based regulatory decisions across the continent. In Abuja, Executive Vice-Chairman Dr Aminu Maida notes varied legal frameworks but shared challenges in investment, infrastructure resilience, cybersecurity, AI and emerging tech. Nigeria will share regulatory insights while encouraging practical solutions to strengthen telecom regulation. Regulators will exchange experiences, address data sharing, ensure consumer protection, promote competition, and improve decision-making with integrated data.
UNICROSS ASUU suspends strike
Academic activities at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) will resume after ASUU-UNICROSS suspended its nearly two-month strike following intervention by Governor Bassey Otu. The decision, announced by ASUU-UNICROSS Chairman Dr. Patrick Ushie after a government meeting, directs lecturers to return to work and students to resume classes on Tuesday. The strike, starting May 19, 2026, centered on welfare and unpaid allowances; the government has formed a technical committee to address funding, salaries, and facility improvements for Cross River’s premier university.
Cross River Fake Doctor Arrest
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, for allegedly posing as a medical doctor, running an illegal mobile clinic, and defrauding a resident of ₦500,000 with a false job offer at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). The arrest followed a complaint by a 45-year-old woman in Calabar South. Investigators recovered exhibits and say the suspect is in police custody as investigations continue, with further updates promised to the public.
Cross River flags off census 2025
Cross River State government has flagged off the annual 2025/2026 school census in Calabar, charging stakeholders to ensure accurate data collection across public and private institutions. The exercise aims to capture up-to-date information for planning and resource allocation in Cross River’s education sector. Local education officials say EMIS and data verification processes will guide the census, with reporting expected to be real-time via the state’s data portal. Schools and local authorities are urged to prepare staff and relevant records ahead of enumeration dates.
Cross River Sanitation Move
The Cross River State Government has announced a state-wide movement restriction from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 25, 2026, for the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. The public service announcement, signed by the Commissioner of Environment, Moses Osogi, directs residents and business owners to clear drains, tidy their surroundings, and dispose of waste properly during the exercise. Only essential-duty personnel are exempt; defaulters face prosecution to ensure a cleaner environment across Cross River.