Calabar news in brief for March 4: Wednesday’s top headlines

Commissioner Resumes Office in Calabar

The newly appointed Federal Character Commissioner for Cross River State has officially resumed duties at the commission’s office in Calabar. This marks a significant step in ensuring equitable representation and distribution of opportunities across federal institutions within the state. Residents and stakeholders anticipate renewed focus on fairness and balanced development as the commissioner begins their mandate. Source

ECOWAS Protocol Aids AfCFTA Success

The ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol is essential for the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and regional combination. Albert Siaw-Boateng, ECOWAS Director for Free Movement of Persons and Migration, stated this at a recent ECOWAS Parliament session. The protocol allows citizens to travel, live, and work freely across member states, matching with AfCFTA’s goals. Challenges such as weak data systems and uneven enforcement are being addressed through initiatives like the EU-funded Free Movement and Migration Project and the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card. Source

Cross River Defends Littoral Status Bid

Cross River State has presented new scientific evidence to support its claim for littoral state status, aiming to secure its rightful share of offshore resources. This move comes as the state continues its advocacy for recognition as a coastal entity, which would grant it access to maritime resources and associated benefits. The presentation of this fresh data underscores the state’s commitment to pursuing this significant financial and developmental objective. Source

State Warehouse to Become Pharma-Grade

Cross River State is partnering with the Global Fund and the National Product Supply Chain Management Program (NPSCMP) to upgrade its State Pharmaceutical Warehouse. This initiative aims to change the facility into a excellent, “Pharma-Grade” standard, enhancing medical supply chain infrastructure to meet international storage and security requirements. The project includes combining support for medical drone distribution and is expected to have a contractor on-site within two months, positioning the state as a leader in healthcare logistics. Source

Protecting College of Agriculture Assets

The Cross River State Government is taking steps to protect assets at the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST), including its land and equipment. Special Adviser Gilbert Agbor warned against encroachment on institutional land by communities and the diversion of government property like tractors and farm implements. He emphasized that government land acquisitions are for long-term development and that all institutional assets must be safeguarded for the benefit of the state’s agricultural and technological education initiatives. The college rector has been asked to provide a full inventory of assets. Source

Nigeria Targets Carbon Credit Investment

Nigeria aims to attract $2.5 billion in high-integrity carbon credit investments by 2030, with its carbon market now established. This initiative matches with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which allows international carbon credit trading. The Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) is expected to drive this growth, with Africa’s potential VCM value estimated at up to $1.5 trillion by 2050. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) is actively involved in developing strategies to ensure environmental integrity and equitable benefits, with over 120 carbon projects already registered. Source