FG Seeks Compensation for Nigerians
The Federal Government is documenting losses suffered by Nigerians who returned from South Africa after facing xenophobic attacks, aiming to press for compensation. Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, says the mission has started collecting evidence of destroyed businesses and assets. Nigerians who returned home are urged to provide ownership documents to strengthen the claims. The effort is part of protecting Nigerians abroad and ensuring redress for those affected by anti-immigrant violence, with ongoing engagements with South African authorities.
Gas prices drop nationwide
Cooking gas prices have fallen across Nigeria as improved supply brings relief to households, traders, and food vendors. The development lowers monthly costs for Calabar residents and Cross River households who rely on liquefied petroleum gas for cooking. Authorities say the dip is driven by steadier imports and replenished stock levels, enabling retailers to widen access. Households are advised to monitor local price changes and stock up during ongoing improvements.
Tinubu Defends Empowerment Remarks
Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu says empowerment programmes reach more than akara sellers, extending to tomato, pepper, and other small traders nationwide. During the Jigawa State event, she clarified that the federal intervention schemes are aimed at grassroots entrepreneurs across the country, including women and vulnerable groups. The remarks come as the FG underscores financial support, grants, and business opportunities to boost livelihoods and household incomes, reinforcing inclusive growth for petty traders and small-scale operators in Cross River and beyond.
Cross River Trains 700 Farmers
The Cross River State Government has completed a statewide capacity-building drive for more than 700 smallholder farmers, youths and agricultural extension officers across all three senatorial districts as part of Governor Otu’s Coffee Revolution. The southern district session closed at the Calabar Municipal Council Hall, following earlier trainings in Bekwarra and Ikom. Officials say the program aims to diversify the economy, boost rural livelihoods, and position Cross River as a leading coffee producer, with subsidised seedlings and a plan for land preparation and cooperative grouping to strengthen the value chain. Beneficiaries are urged to register with NACOFTA and AFAN and prepare for July 1, 2026 seedling distribution, with a data-driven monitoring system to track progress and ensure market access.
Nigeria housing deficit bridge
Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) says Nigeria can bridge its housing deficit within a decade through faster land titling, better infrastructure and affordable mortgages. In Abuja, REDAN President Oba Akintoye Adeoye told NAN that stronger public-private cooperation, streamlined land administration and quicker building approvals are needed to raise housing delivery nationwide. The Renewed Hope Housing Programme is cited as making progress, and Cross River residents could benefit from more affordable financing and clearer land titles to access homes and development opportunities. Adeoye calls for policy focus on land, roads, electricity and water to unlock land for housing and speed up approvals for housing projects across the country, including Cross River State.
NEMA unifies disaster relief
Cross River communities will benefit from a new national policy by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to harmonise relief and rehabilitation interventions across Nigeria. The policy, announced after a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja on June 30, 2026, aims to define responsibilities, strengthen accountability, and speed up aid delivery. With World Bank and partner support, Cross River residents can expect clearer guidance for evacuations, shelters, and humanitarian assistance during emergencies.
BPP Unveils Food Procurement Guidelines
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) announces new food procurement guidelines to be unveiled on July 13, 2026. In Nigeria, Cross River institutions—universities, hospitals, and government-supported feeding programs—will follow the revised rules to simplify supplier selection, enhance transparency, and safeguard public funds. The guidelines introduce standardized bidding, faster processing, and clearer accountability, with Cross River procurement officers expected to implement the changes locally starting July and adapt reporting to state authorities.
Cross River certifies 712 officers
The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Rashid B. Afegbua, verifies that 712 newly trained Corporals and Constables are certified after completing the Musketry and Weapons Handling Training at the 11 Police Mobile Force Squadron in Calabar. The program ran in three batches from June 1 to June 19, 2026, with officers from the state’s three senatorial districts demonstrating weapon handling, discipline, and teamwork while the command pledges ongoing capacity building and responsible policing for all residents.
FG plan to scrap JSS-SSS
The Federal Government proposes ending the separation of Junior Secondary School (JSS) from Senior Secondary School (SSS) to address Nigeria’s rising out-of-school challenge. In Abuja, Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa announced the reform amid data showing over 20 million pupils never progress to senior secondary after primary school. The plan aims for a seamless basic-to-senior pathway and faster transition, with an implementation committee to fast-track UBEC-funded Smart, Bilingual, and Alternative Schools. Cross River State institutions, schools, and residents could feel changes as the reform moves to the National Council on Education for formal consideration.
Nigeria deploys armed drones
The Nigerian military has intensified counterterrorism operations by deploying armed drones to target terrorist hideouts and high‑risk locations across conflict zones. The remotely controlled aircraft perform intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes, aiming to boost operational accuracy, reduce risks to ground troops, and speed up responses to security threats. Officials say drone use is part of broader efforts to curb insurgency and violent extremism, with adherence to engagement rules and civilian safety in focus.
HOS reviews personnel audit
The Cross River State Head of Service, Mr. Orok Bassey Okon, chairs a strategic session with the Personnel Audit/Verification Committee to assess progress and address operational challenges in the ongoing verification exercise. Officials report researchers are tackling issues such as verification codes and multi-source salaries, while adjustments to compulsory fields on the platform are planned. The government reiterates a transparent, credible audit to build an accurate public service database, urging workers to use the portal’s complaint interface for resolution.
Otu pledges drug-free Cross River
The Wife of the Governor and Chair of Cross River’s Drug Control Committee, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, pledges a drug-free Cross River during the 2026 World Drug Day ceremony in Calabar, organized with ISSUP. Represented by the Education Commissioner, she commits to stronger prevention, education, and partnerships to curb substance abuse, highlighting the threat to youths, families, and security. Local agencies, healthcare workers, and community leaders will join in awareness and rehabilitation efforts to safeguard future generations, with continued government support and monitoring to ensure impact across Cross River State.
Aviation Wins for Cross River
The Cross River State Commissioner for Aviation, Captain Eno Utum Inah (Rtd), says progress in the aviation sector benefits the entire state and its people. Speaking during a courtesy visit by Believers for Good Governance, he lauds the governor’s drive to finish the Obudu International Passengers and Cargo Airport, now about 80 percent complete, and notes seamless travel now possible with the state’s own air services. The administration, he adds, has strengthened health, economy, infrastructure, and education, signaling continued investment in regional connectivity and local job opportunities.
Otu Reassures Obanliku Development
Governor Bassey Otu meets Obanliku stakeholders in Cross River State, confirming renewed emphasis on local development. The engagement outlines plans for improved roads, healthcare, and educational facilities, with delivery timelines aligned to the next quarter. Stakeholders endorse a second term to sustain momentum, stressing accountability and transparent funding. The governor explains how these projects will directly benefit residents and small businesses, noting that local contractors will be prioritized for contract awards and that progress will be monitored by state oversight committees to ensure timely completion.
CISLAC backs NYSC reforms
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) endorses the Federal Government’s NYSC reforms approved by the Federal Executive Council in Abuja on June 30, 2026. The group says transparent, digitalised deployment and stronger skills acquisition will improve graduates’ employability and reduce youth unemployment. Cross River State residents should note plans to digitalise NYSC operations, widen entrepreneurship streams, and safeguard corps members’ welfare and security. Success will depend on funding, stakeholder consultations, and robust monitoring.