Calabar news brief for Wed 05 August 2026

New reforms promise faster land titles and tighter health oversight, but unspent erosion funds and recent landslides leave communities waiting for accountable action and safer streets.

Cross River Simplifies C of O

Cross River State Government, led by Governor Bassey Otu, announces a simplified Certificate of Occupancy process and expanded land title access through the Cross River Geographic Information Agency. The move, highlighted on July 30, 2026, makes C of O documentation faster and more transparent for residents, with certificates now issued and ready for collection on a weekly basis. The reforms improve property security, loan access, and investment opportunities across Cross River.

Health Quackery Bill Advances UHC

The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, announces that the Cross River State House of Assembly has passed the Health Quackery (Prohibition) Bill, 2026, paving the way for Universal Health Coverage. The bill expands regulation to public and private facilities, nursing homes, laboratories, pharmacies, and training institutions, with a Health Monitoring Task Force to enforce standards. Governor Bassey Edet Otu is urged to assent. Ayuk says the measure will protect patients and improve the quality of care across Cross River.

Cross River erosion gaps exposed

Cross River State, through the government, has allocated about 1.681 billion naira in 2026 for erosion and flood control, yet deadly landslides in Calabar in July reveal gaps in prevention and project funding. Residents have seen several sites receive little or no releases, while others show rising budgets but limited execution. Local agencies and environmental advocates warn that without timely releases and robust plans, communities along Calabar’s roads and rivers remain at risk and require urgent, accountable action from state authorities.

FG to conduct 25,000 free cataract surgeries by 2027

The Federal Government, led by Health Minister Iziaq Adekunle Salako, says it will deliver at least 25,000 free cataract surgeries nationwide by the end of 2027 to reduce avoidable blindness. The plan, announced in Abuja and supported by the SightQuest Nigeria programme, aims to expand eye care access through state partnerships. Cross River residents stand to benefit as the initiative scales, with screenings and surgeries expected to reach more communities in coming years to improve ocular health outcomes across the country.

Cross River Health Priorities 2027

The Cross River State Government and its development partners held a two-day Joint Annual Review in Calabar from July 28–29, 2026 to assess the 2026 Annual Operational Plan and chart priorities for 2027. Commissioner for Health Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, the CRSPHCDA DG Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, and Ministry of Health PS Dr. Jonah Bassey Offor led discussions with federal health officials, NHIA, SWAp, and WHO representatives to strengthen Universal Health Coverage and improve primary care funding and governance for Cross River residents.”

FCCPC, NERC Boost Consumer Protection

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has engaged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and state electricity regulators to improve consumer protection and transparency in Nigeria’s electricity sector, a move that directly benefits Cross River residents as regulators expand closer oversight. The meeting, led by FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello, emphasizes collaboration as states implement the Electricity Act, 2023. State regulators will help address customer issues locally, ensuring fair treatment and faster resolution of complaints for consumers in Cross River and other states.

Alausa adopts Kaduna mapping model

The Federal Ministry of Education, led by Minister Dr Tunji Alausa, says it will roll out Kaduna State’s household mapping approach nationwide to identify and recover out-of-school children. The plan will run across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics, beginning this year. In Cross River, the program aims to provide precise data on where children are located and which households they belong to, enabling targeted schooling interventions and improved enrollment efforts.

UNICROSS vice-chancellor inspects

The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Vice Chancellor leads a campus inspection in Calabar to monitor the resumption of academic activities following the ASUU strike. On site, the Vice Chancellor and key university managers assess lecture halls and facilities to ensure readiness for returning students and staff. The move comes as discussions with ASUU and Cross River State authorities aim to guarantee a smooth, timely restart of classes across the Calabar Campus as the strike ends and coordination continues.

Cross River official pledges leadership

The newly appointed Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Dodeye Ikpi Arikpo, meets staff in Calabar to vow purposeful leadership and improved service. He thanks Governor Otu and calls for innovation, professionalism, and teamwork to advance the ministry’s mandate. The briefing, held at the ministry’s Calabar office on July 31, 2026, emphasizes staff support and collective effort to deliver efficient public service to Cross River residents.

NAHCON partners for pilgrim welfare

The Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) West Africa Secretariat and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announce a collaboration to boost pilgrim welfare and youth involvement in pilgrimage administration, with events staged in Abuja on July 31, 2026. Amb. Akoshile Mukhtar outlined the council’s plan to amplify government policies, improve public understanding, and mobilize youth networks to support NAHCON’s outreach. This collaboration aims to improve service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims, including Cross River indigenes, through stronger advocacy and coordination with state pilgrims’ boards and healthcare partners.

UNICAL welfare initiative praised

A former UNICAL SUG aide, Cynthia Maduekwe, praises the university’s one-week free shuttle ride and foodstuff distribution program as student-centered leadership. At the University of Calabar in Calabar, Cross River State, the initiative provides free transport for students and food support to cushion rising costs. The effort by the current SUG administration aims to ease transportation and meal expenses and encourage regular class attendance, with students responding positively as the programme nears its end.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-08-05T22:00:40.528+02:00