Sachet Alcohol Enforcement Phase II
NAFDAC has announced a second phase of its crackdown on sachet alcohol distribution across Nigeria. The agency says the move aims to curb substandard products and protect public health, with compliance checks carried out at manufacturing sites, wholesalers, and retail outlets. Cross River residents and businesses should note intensified inspections, with sanctions for offenders. The initiative, started earlier this year, will continue in coming weeks, requiring producers and traders to secure proper labeling and licenses.
FG launches cancer support fund
The Federal Government has launched the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Fund to aid cancer patients nationwide, with N50 million approved to support beneficiaries. Announced in Abuja on June 17, 2026, the programme aims to ease non-medical barriers such as transport, accommodation, and nutrition that hinder treatment completion. More than 400 patients have applied, with verified beneficiaries to receive at least N100,000 each. Cross River residents stand to benefit as the fund is implemented across all geopolitical zones to improve access to cancer care.
Inclusive Education for Intellectual Disabilities
Stakeholders in the disability space gathered in Abuja on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, to push for stronger implementation of inclusive education policies and targeted government support for children with intellectual disabilities. The newly formed Intellectual Disability Cluster brings together Engraced Ones Prayer Support and Advocacy Initiative, Autism Society Foundation, Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. The group aims to improve learning opportunities, accessibility in public buildings and schools, and to ensure policy commitments translate into real classroom support nationwide.
MCO staff integrity induction
The Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) has started inducting newly recruited staff in Abuja, with the Director-General Obadiah Nkom leading the oath of secrecy and allegiance. The program aims to instill discipline, improve governance, and strengthen service delivery across Nigeria’s MDAs. Inductees, including staff hired in 2023 and 2025, will align with public service procedures, benefiting Cross River residents through more transparent and accountable governance and administrative processes.
UNICAL VC charges SUG execs
The University of Calabar Vice Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong, has charged the newly elected Student Union Government executives to lead with humility, pursue innovation, and deliver service to students across Cross River State. Speaking this week in Calabar, the VC urged the SUG to uphold integrity, engage with stakeholders, and prioritise welfare for all students as the 2026/2027 academic year opens. The move aims to strengthen campus governance and student welfare through accountable leadership and practical initiatives.
Cross River Probate Services Decentralized
The Cross River State House of Assembly has called for probate registries in Ikom and Ogoja Local Government Areas to ease access for residents to obtain Letters of Administration and other estate documents. The move, championed on June 16, 2026, aims to reduce long trips to Calabar and speed up processing across the state. Lawmakers say decentralization will ease hardship for families, cut delays, and strengthen access to justice for Cross River residents.
Hope Alive at Unicross
The Cross River State Governor, Otu, announces new steps to renew and stabilize UniCross operations in Calabar. The move aims to restore essential services, ensure teaching and learning continue smoothly, and address staff and student concerns. Officials describe the measures as practical improvements to funding, maintenance, and administrative processes, with progress monitored locally. Students, parents, and staff are advised to follow official updates as the plan unfolds and to participate in upcoming town hall sessions.
Sustainable reforms for corporate competitiveness
Nigerian financial experts, led by Bismarck Rewane, urge sustained policy reforms to sharpen Nigeria’s corporate edge. At the Lagos PEARL Awards summit, they highlight reforms in banking, telecoms, pension, and foreign exchange as drivers of long-term competitiveness. Cross River businesses should note that ongoing measures, such as currency unification and tax changes, will shape costs, investment flows, and governance standards. Companies must adapt quickly to new rules to thrive and sustain local jobs.
Governor’s Exclusive Appointment Prerogative
Cross River State Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Ironbar, states that all recent appointments are the Governor’s sole decision, directing beneficiaries to thank His Excellency Governor Bassey Otu. The clarification, issued through a media aide, reiterates that appointment powers reside in the Governor and cautions against misrepresenting the process. Appointees are urged to acknowledge the Governor’s leadership, while the public is reminded of constitutional governance and the importance of accurate attribution. The administration commits to continuing professional, transparent recruitment in service to Cross River residents.
Otu suspends transport levies
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has approved an immediate suspension of ticket sales, levies, and related charges on inter-city transport operators across the state, effective immediately. The directive follows talks with the Inter-City Drivers Association and aims to ease the burden on transport operators while the government plans a stakeholders’ meeting to craft a lasting regulatory framework for the sector. Operators, commuters, and local agencies are urged to comply as the administration works toward a more conducive business climate in Cross River.
River Blindness Elimination Push
The Cross River State Government, through its Ministry of Health and the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Programme, is intensifying its fight against River Blindness with a four-day monitoring and supervision exercise across eight hotspot LGAs. From June 2026, field teams in Akamkpa, Biase, Etung, Boki, Obanliku, Odukpani, Ogoja, and Yakurr verify drug distribution and improve treatment uptake as part of the Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) 2026, aligning with the WHO roadmap to eliminate neglected tropical diseases and safeguard residents’ health.
UNICAL to Host NUGA 50k
Cross River State’s University of Calabar (UNICAL) will host the 2026 Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) in Calabar this November, bringing together 50 universities and about 50,000 athletes to compete across Cross River venues. The state government confirms readiness, with facility inspections underway at UNICAL and other sports sites to ensure safe, smooth competition. The event aims to boost youth sports, tourism, and local business activity. Universities should follow registration timelines and schedules; residents may expect road diversions and enhanced facilities during the games.
Data privacy reforms in Nigeria
NDPC officials in Abuja unveil sector-specific data protection frameworks for telecom, hospitality, and financial services, engaging key stakeholders to shape how data is collected, stored, and shared. The move aims to boost trust and compliance as millions of personal records flow through banks, telcos, and hotels. Cross River institutions and residents will benefit from clearer processing records and mandated data protection impact assessments, with sector timelines guiding implementation across the country.
Conviction Clause Urged to Remove
A federal campaign is underway to remove the criminal record hurdle known as the “convicted before” clause, a move supporters say could broaden employment opportunities for Nigerians, including residents of Cross River State. The push highlights that excluding individuals with prior convictions from job consideration hampers rehabilitation and undermines local workforce development. Advocates in government, civil society, and business communities argue that employers should assess applicants on current skills, behavior, and reliability rather than past mistakes alone. In Cross River, where small and medium enterprises are a major employment source, removing this clause could open doors for returning citizens and graduates seeking work, especially in the hospitality, manufacturing, and service sectors. The proposal outlines a transition period, updated screening practices, and clear timelines for employers to adjust hiring policies, while ensuring public safety and accountability. If the policy advances, federal agencies would coordinate training, reintegration support, and monitoring to prevent discrimination and promote fair access to jobs for those re-entering the workforce. The discussion continues at national forums, with lawmakers urging practical implementation that protects workers’ rights while encouraging inclusive hiring across Nigeria, including Cross River communities and institutions.
NDLEA Gets Senate Backing
The Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has pledged ongoing legislative and institutional backing for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as Nigeria intensifies the anti-drug campaign. In Abuja, the committee chair and NDLEA leadership discussed cooperation to curb illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse, with the panel promising stronger laws and closer collaboration. The move directly affects Cross River residents through enhanced enforcement, prevention programmes, and potential policy updates aimed at reducing local drug demand and improving community safety.