Senate probes unpaid NDDC contributions
The Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission has begun an investigation into allegations that international oil firms failed to remit statutory contributions owed to the NDDC. The inquiry follows a petition by an environmental activist and targets payments of about $71.65 million and N30.7 billion authorities say remain unpaid. The panel, meeting in Abuja this week, has invited affected companies to provide accounts and documentation, with firm deadlines for compliance and responses to be set soon to ensure regional development funds reach Cross River and other oil communities.
WAHO Sets Regional Health Standards
The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has finalised a harmonised regional benchmark for health sciences training institutions, announced by Prof. Joseph Olorunda at a regional ECOWAS workshop. More than 65 academics and health professionals participated to validate the guidelines, which set minimum standards for establishing, accrediting, and operating health training programs across 15 member states. Cross River State institutions can access the benchmark for self‑assessment and seek regional accreditation, promoting mobility of health workers within the region.
Minister urges CSR for poverty
Dr Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is urging corporate organisations to deliver tangible Corporate Social Responsibility to communities to curb poverty. The call came during engagements that included a visit to Sterling Group/Sumeda Energy and discussions with traditional rulers and community leaders. The initiative aims to channel more effective, accountable CSR programs across Nigeria, with a focus on measurable improvements in living standards and sustainable development for Cross River residents, ensuring benefits reach the names and places that need them most.
Bishop warns on state police
The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo, cautions that the proposed state police must be shielded from political manipulation and corruption. Speaking in Abuja on July 11, 2026, he urged reforms that ensure fairness and accountability while decentralising security. He notes Cross River residents should monitor reforms to avoid victimisation. The bishop highlights improvements in education and calls for integrity from leaders as Nigeria pursues a new security framework.
CSOs urge electoral college review
Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, led by WOMANIFESTO and allied groups, are meeting in Abuja to demand a critical assessment of the National Assembly’s proposed Electoral College model for additional women’s seats. The discussion, driven by the Constitution Review Committee’s proposals, seeks thorough examination before any bill progresses. The push highlights Cross River residents, particularly women, and asks how the plan would be implemented locally, who selects delegates, and how women from Cross River would participate in the new framework as Nigeria moves toward 2027 electoral processes.
Cross River Buffer Zone Dispute
The Ugep community in Yakurr Local Government Area has filed a suit against the Cross River State Government in Calabar, challenging the state’s plan to create a buffer zone between Ugep and Idomi. Dated July 6, 2026, the lawsuit seeks to nullify the land allocation and demands a boundary delineation that follows historical studies and the Land Use Act. The claim argues due process and calls for ongoing consultations with the community’s traditional leadership. The case underscores ongoing land and boundary disputes in Cross River while the government has not yet commented.
Cross River Advances Agricultural Reform
Cross River State officials, farmers, and industry groups gathered in Calabar for a public hearing on two key bills—the Cross River State Produce (Enforcement of Grades and Standards of Quality) Board Bill, 2026 and the Cross River State Tree Crop Development Agency Bill, 2026. The session, held on July 12, 2026, aims to set quality standards, boost market access, and coordinate tree-crop development with support from local and international partners to strengthen livelihoods and export opportunities.
FG boosts artisan skills
The Federal Government’s Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has begun certification examinations for beneficiaries of the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The exercise, supervised by Alberk QA Technic of Turkey, involves 296 artisans across more than 20 trades, including fashion design, welding, cyber security, automechanics, tiling, bricklaying, painting and decoration, and carpentry. ITF says the move enhances global recognition of Nigerian certificates and improves workers’ mobility and earnings, with Cross River artisans invited to pursue similar international qualifications.
Safer AI training in newsrooms
The Safer Media Initiative (SMI) reports a significant skills gap in Nigerian newsrooms, with only about 10 percent of journalists formally trained on Artificial Intelligence tools, despite widespread use. In Abuja on April 3, 2026, a training titled AI Tools for Journalists: Effective, Responsible and Safe Use was held to broaden responsible AI practice and digital safety. The program, supported by UNESCO, aims to guide newsrooms on policy development and ethical AI use, benefiting Cross River journalists and other Nigerian media professionals who rely on accurate reporting and safe digital tools.
ICAN pledges AI training
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to AI-focused training to keep accountants competitive. At the investiture in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, the 6th Chairman of ICAN Gwagwalada and District Society announced ongoing and expanded programs, including embedded AI tools, data analytics, and cybersecurity in the syllabus. This initiative aims to prepare Nigerian accountants, including those in Cross River, for evolving industry demands and to sustain professional value through continuous learning and engagement, starting now and into the 2026/2027 period.
FG seeks stronger financing
The Federal Government, through a July 12, 2026 Abuja dialogue, calls for increased domestic funding to shrink maternal deaths, citing a N720 billion gap in the health sector. Led by the National Lead of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), the discussion highlighted plans to push total health financing higher and improve primary care, emergency obstetric services, and data coordination. Cross River residents stand to benefit from enhanced facility readiness, more reliable funding, and better access to maternal health services as the plan unfolds nationwide.
Untold story behind assault
The Cross River State incident in Calabar involves allegations of harassment and assault against a trending Snapchat blogger known as Calabar Anonymous. The report notes that the event occurred in the early hours of Friday, July 10, 2026, prompting official statements and ongoing inquiries. Police say the matter is being handled by a federal security agency, with authorities urging residents to avoid spreading unverified information while the investigation proceeds to determine exact circumstances and responsible parties.
Cross River: Nigeria’s model state
Dr. Bobby Ekpenyong, a criminologist and UNICAL lecturer now aligned with APC, describes Cross River as a national model for security and investment. Speaking in Calabar over the weekend, he credits Governor Otu with a three-year record of reduced kidnapping and banditry, and with reviving Calabar’s nightlife, tourism, and urban renewal efforts. He notes road rehabilitations, new employment drives, and a safer climate that has drawn investors back to the state. Ekpenyong urges continued local support ahead of the 2027 period, highlighting transparent recruitment and ongoing infrastructure projects across urban and rural areas.
Water access expanded in Cross River
The WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) programme, implemented by Self Help Africa, has expanded access to safe water and sanitation services for more than 320,000 people across Kano and Cross River States. In Cross River, the initiative strengthens water governance and service delivery, with support for reforms and local WASH institutions. The programme aims to sustain long‑term improvements in drinking water and hygiene for communities and schools, with continued funding and partnerships shaping Cross River’s health outcomes.
Nigeria’s textile output up 45%
Nigeria’s textile production is up by more than 45% as of July 12, 2026, with NAN reporting that local investment and stronger demand are driving growth. Federal and local manufacturers say the rise creates jobs and strengthens Nigeria’s textile value chain, while urging the government to sustain momentum through affordable financing, stable power, and modern equipment. Cross River residents stand to benefit from expanded firms, vocational training, and increased local sourcing within the national garment industry.