BPP Validates New PMS
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) hosted the implementation team of the new Performance Management System at its Abuja headquarters on August 29, 2026, to validate the framework intended to replace the legacy APER across federal ministries, departments and agencies. The delegation, led by key reform experts, reviewed metrics, KPIs and digital tracking tools, while the BPP Director‑General emphasized alignment with the federal digital agenda to improve staff performance, reporting, and transparent promotions across MDAs. The PMS, once fully rolled out, will require staff to adopt new evaluation processes and ensure consistent measurement of departmental targets nationwide.
Borders Already Open, Presidency Says
The Presidency has dismissed Atiku Abubakar’s claim that Nigeria’s borders are closed, insisting that land borders are already open and have not been reversed. In a statement by Special Adviser Sunday Dare, the government notes that most land borders were reopened on March 14, 2024, and highlights ongoing security measures to prevent crime while enabling legitimate trade. Dare points to cross-border links with Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, stressing that border governance must combine openness with vigilant security. For Cross River residents and traders, the policy clarifies that border access remains available for lawful commerce, with continued emphasis on security, surveillance, and regional cooperation to curb terrorism and trafficking. Nigerians are urged to demand clear plans from any presidential candidate about border management, technology use, and community protection as part of credible national policy. The article stresses that open borders must be balanced with safeguards, and notes recent border developments such as the Kamba border opening in Kebbi State as a reference point for integrated border policy.
Cross River Estate Joint Admin
The Probate Court, Calabar Judicial Division, has ordered joint administration of the estate of the late former Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Wilfred Oden Inah, amid a dispute over a property in Calabar. The property at No. 63, Ibom Layout, was allegedly sold for more than 100 million naira. Family members say the asset is worth 300–400 million and should stay within the clan. The court requires four heirs to be represented and biodata submitted to the Probate Registry.
Elder Justice in 2027 Politics
The National Senior Citizens Centre leads the call to place Elder Justice at the center of Nigeria’s 2027 elections, with older Nigerians forming a growing political constituency. The piece outlines INEC steps to create an age-inclusive electoral framework, including priority voting for older persons, accessibility mapping, training for officials, and age-friendly voter information. Cross River residents will gain from age-conscious polling environments, accessible facilities, and clearer channels to report age-related electoral barriers.
Calabar Spar Mall Fire Victims
Victims of the Calabar Spar Mall fire, which occurred in the early hours of August 22, 2026, appeal for collective support to help affected tenants recover their livelihoods and rebuild businesses in Calabar, Cross River State. They thank Governor Prince Bassey Otu and the First Lady for their commitments and call on government, private sector, NGOs and religious groups to provide assistance ahead of Christmas and Carnival Calabar 2026, ensuring the mall’s vibrancy returns for residents and visitors alike.
UNICROSS Flood Displaces Staff
The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Calabar Campus reports 24 staff families are displaced by recent flooding and require emergency relief and temporary housing. Vice Chancellor Prof. Francisca Bassey files an urgent appeal dated August 12, 2026, to the South-South Development Commission for mattresses, appliances, and financial help while the university also coordinates repair of damaged residences and offices. Governor Otu deploys a swamp buggy to assist response efforts; drainage desilting is completed to prevent further floods.
School Leaders: Teach First
Dr. Peter Ogudoro stresses that Nigerian school leaders should prioritise teaching guidance and student development over routine administrative tasks. In a recent NAN-backed report from Nigeria, the emphasis is on instructional leadership that supports teachers, mentors students, and strengthens classroom learning across Nigerian institutions. The call advocates structured supervision, curriculum support, and professional development for administrators to boost learning outcomes in Cross River schools and beyond. Stakeholders are urged to align duties with instructional goals to ensure learners receive quality guidance and a supportive learning environment.
Jarigbe commissions 20-bed hospital
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North, has commissioned the newly established JEFMAG Hospital in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State. The 20-bed facility, owned by Dr. Idoko Emmanuel Afen, offers services including surgery, ultrasound, ECG, chemistry analysis, antenatal care, and maternal-child healthcare. At the ceremony, the senator said the project will reduce travel for residents seeking quality care and offset the medical bills for the first admitted patients, signaling a boost for local healthcare. The report is dated August 29, 2026.
CRISPON backs Tinubu for 2027
CRISPON pledges to deliver 1.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027 and endorses APC candidates across Cross River. The rally in Ogoja marks the start of a statewide effort, with the group praising Governor Otu’s administration, including new employment of 5,000 Cross Riverians and the completion of Government House in Ogoja. Otu affirms support for Tinubu and keeps Deputy Governor Odey as running mate, while CRISPON contributes to mobilization and political coordination ahead of the elections.
Cross River Sanitation Enforcement
Cross River State’s environment ministry, led by Commissioner for Environment Barrister Bassey Offiong Mensah, says the state is restoring sanitation standards and clamping down on street trading. The plan includes enforcing sanitation hours between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., relocating traders from roadways and under high-tension lines, and introducing mobile courts to sanction offenders. Officials say waste evacuation will be improved and the statewide sanitation exercise will continue with targeted public sensitisation and stricter enforcement to protect lives and property.
Cross River UCTH Nursing Training
The Cross River State government, led by the Special Assistant on Nursing, Dr. Coco-Bassey Esu, reaffirms commitment to strengthening nursing education, clinical training, and healthcare infrastructure at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) in Calabar. During a working visit, hospital management and ward leaders discuss expanded training for state college nurses and MoUs with other health institutions. Officials highlight ongoing investments and the push for a Cross River State Teaching Hospital and a State College of Medicine to broaden indigenous medical education and hands-on training for nurses and doctors.
Diagnostics control boosts health sovereignty
Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, former Director‑General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, says Nigeria’s health sovereignty depends on how diagnostics are managed and how disease surveillance is defined. Speaking in Abuja on August 29, 2026, he argues that who defines health problems and which data count shapes policy and priorities. He calls for stronger domestic funding and a national plan to align external partnerships with Nigeria’s health goals, benefiting Cross River and other states alike.
JAMB Extends Admission Deadline
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has extended the deadline for candidates with outstanding admissions from 2021 to date to accept or reject those offers. Cross River residents with pending offers should act now, as the new final cutoff is September 30, 2026. Check your JAMB CAPS portal for status, and complete acceptance or rejection promptly to avoid losing the admission, with further corrections possible after action.
Foreign Aid Bill draws red line
Cross River residents should note that SERAP and the Nigerian Guild of Editors are warning the National Assembly against passing the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026. They say the measure could threaten civic space and media independence, and they vow legal action if the bill becomes law. The groups argue the law would give broad government control over donors and aid recipients, affecting civil society, media, and community groups in Cross River. They urge clear definitions and constitutional compliance to protect rights and transparency.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-09-06T22:00:31.145+02:00