Calabar Free Trade Zone Revived
The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the Cross River State Government are moving to revive the Calabar Free Trade Zone, aiming to attract fresh investment and boost local industry. In recent discussions hosted in Calabar, NEPZA outlined steps to upgrade infrastructure, power supply, and security to make the zone more appealing to manufacturers, traders, and service providers. The initiative seeks to create jobs, broaden Cross River’s export potential, and integrate the zone into national investment plans. Local authorities urge investors to monitor forthcoming calls for proposals and participation timelines.
AI for Nigeria Healthcare
The International College of Surgeons, Nigeria Section (ICS-NG) reports at its 59th Annual General Meeting in Abuja that artificial intelligence is becoming essential in surgical training and healthcare delivery across Nigeria. The group emphasizes AI can improve training, diagnostics, and post-operative care, while addressing workforce shortages and burnout. Cross River health institutions stand to benefit from local AI data and tools, with advocates urging the government to fund modernization, ethical use, and local algorithm development to serve underserved communities nationwide.
Salary Reforms for Health Workers
The Cross River State Advocacy Team for Tuberculosis Elimination, led by Pastor Effiong Udobong, meets the Auditor-General for Local Government in Calabar to press for payroll reforms and address staffing bottlenecks in primary health facilities. The group cites delayed salaries and irregular recruitment as factors undermining service delivery, especially in rural clinics. Officials acknowledge payroll delays and pledge corrective steps, while advocates plan to intensify community awareness and monitor progress under the Integrated Community-Led Monitoring programme in Cross River.
Cross River Health Revolution
Governor Bassey Otu’s administration in Cross River State is delivering a three-year healthcare revolution, with upgrades to 196 Primary Healthcare Centres and revitalization of 96 more, new hospital projects, oxygen plants, and a Universal Health Coverage framework. The plan expands health workforce, BHCPF funding, and drone-vaccine delivery across rural and urban communities. The reforms aim to improve access, quality, and resilience of Cross River’s health system for residents and visitors alike.
RevOp streamlines revenue intake
The Federal Government in Abuja has launched a sensitisation for banks on the Revenue Optimisation Assurance Platform (RevOp), a centralised digital system designed to modernise Nigeria’s revenue collection. Leaders from the Finance Ministry and the Accountant General’s office explain RevOp unifies billing, payment, and reporting to reduce leakages and improve transparency. Banks across Cross River State will participate to ensure faster, secure collections and better public finance oversight for residents and institutions. The initiative aims to cascade knowledge through branch networks in the coming months.
FRSC 2026 Promotions via ICT
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced that 10,000 personnel sat for the 2026 promotion examination, conducted with advanced digital technology across all 12 zonal commands. In a statement from Abuja, Osondu Ohaeri, the Public Education Officer, confirms that 3,597 intermediate and 6,408 junior officers were involved, with cameras and ICT platforms ensuring transparency and fairness. The exercise enables personnel pursuing studies to participate remotely, underscoring the corps marshal’s plan to build a professional, future-ready workforce that supports safer roads for Nigerians, including Cross River residents.
Petroan urges downward price adjustment
Petroan calls on refiners and importers to reflect and pass on the downward adjustment in fuel prices as global crude costs fall. In Nigeria, the move aims to lower end-user costs and boost affordability for households and businesses in Cross River State. The appeal, issued this week, asks suppliers to align pricing with recent crude trends, ensuring timely relief at filling stations and supporting local commerce across Calabar and nearby communities.
Cross River firm offers N5m reward
Calabar-based construction firm has announced a five million naira reward for information leading to the recovery of stolen excavator parts. The move aims to deter theft of heavy equipment used in Cross River infrastructure projects and protect local jobs. The firm says tip-offs will be treated confidentially, and authorities have been notified as part of ongoing security upgrades on site. Residents and workers in Calabar and across Cross River State are urged to report any suspicious activity to security agencies and the company’s security desk.
FG expands newborn SCD screening
The Federal Government has begun implementing the Universal Newborn Screening Policy for Sickle Cell Disease in selected health facilities across Lagos, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory, announced during World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, 2026. Coordinating Minister Prof. Muhammad Pate stated the initiative, backed by CHAI, will strengthen guidelines, train primary health workers, and establish six Centres of Excellence nationwide. The aim is timely diagnosis, better treatment, and eventual financial protection through NHIA inclusion for vulnerable families.
Inter-City Levies Suspended in Cross River
The Cross River State Government has suspended ticket sales, levies, and all related charges imposed on inter-city transport operators by government agents and security personnel across the state. The order, which takes immediate effect, was approved by Governor Sen. Bassey Otu after a meeting with leaders of the Inter-City Drivers Association. In a press statement dated June 18, 2026 and signed by the Governor’s spokesperson Linus Obogo, all relevant agencies are to comply with the suspension until further notice. The administration says the move addresses complaints about multiple ticketing demands and aims to create a more predictable operating environment for transport operators and businesses in Cross River. A stakeholders’ meeting will be convened in due course to develop a lasting framework for the sector that balances revenue needs with fair operating conditions for drivers and commuters alike. Operators and passengers should note that the suspension affects all routes across the state and that further updates will follow after the planned consultation. This step signals the government’s focus on reducing unnecessary costs for Cross River residents while pursuing a structured, collaborative approach to transport policy.
Nigeria expands AfCFTA cargo corridor
The Federal Government has announced an expanded Nigeria–East and Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor with RwandAir, aiming to boost exports and lower logistics costs. The expansion, unveiled during Africa Day 2026, adds Kigali, Lusaka, and Harare to Nigeria’s existing routes, creating direct access for Cross River State producers and traders. Nigerian exporters will leverage these markets to move agribusiness, fashion, cosmetics, and processed foods more efficiently, with implementation details and timelines published by FMITI and partner agencies to ensure smoother cross-border movement for Cross River residents and businesses.
Cross River Interventions Since 2023
Since May 29, 2023, Cross River State has leveraged NG-CARES, UBEC, SMEDAN, IMPACT, and other funds to deliver measurable improvements. By May 2026, the state reported 149 new classrooms, 50 rehabilitated blocks, 196 laptops for digital health records, and a 95% immunization rate, with 82 PHCs moving toward upgrade. Infrastructure and health projects span Calabar, Ogoja, and Ikom, reflecting a broad push to improve education, health care, and livelihoods through donor-supported and state-funded interventions. Governor Otu coordinated this shift, emphasizing accountability and visible results across sectors.