By Kelvin Ololo Commuters in Calabar have raised concerns over rising transport fares following a sudden increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) better known as petrol, accusing some commercial drivers of exploiting the situation to impose arbitrary charges. The price adjustment began on Monday, March 9, 2026, when petrol, previously sold
By Kelvin Ololo Organized Labour in Cross River State has issued a final seven-day ultimatum to Governor Bassey Otu, demanding the immediate resolution of long-standing labour disputes or risk an indefinite strike that could cripple public services across the state. The ultimatum, jointly signed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC)
By Godwin Ajom A female traditional ruler in Eyong Abatim community, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Obongawan Marie Ikpeme Erete (Aruk Ii), has called for unity amongst Nigerians and deliberate promotion of local contents, particularly cotton materials as a pathway to national prosperity. Obongawan Marie gave the advice while unfolding her efforts
By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, has called on Cross Riverians to sustain unity and collective purpose as the surest pathway to shared prosperity, declaring that the state’s steady progress is the fruit of inclusive governance and deliberate collaboration. In his 2026 New Year message entitled: “Together, We
By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent The Government of Cross River State, has launched Deforestation-Free Policy, an initiative designed to position the state at the forefront of sustainable, climate-smart commodity production in Nigeria and beyond. Unveiling the policy recently in Calabar, Governor Bassey Otu represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, described the initiative
By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Otu, has approved the constitution of the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Conference Committee 2026. The Committee will spearhead the State’s engagement in the prestigious Afreximbank-led Investment Conference designed to boost intra-African trade and investment. Members of the committee includes Prof.
By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Otu, on Tuesday, presented a total budget outlay of ₦780.59 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, describing it as a “Budget of Inclusive Growth” designed to consolidate on the gains of his administration’s People First
Billions Outside The Budget: Counting Cross River’s Interventions Since May 2023 BY PETER AGI
Since Governor Bassey Otu took office on May 29, 2023, Cross River has operated with two financial tracks. The first is the Appropriation Law he signs in Calabar, which rose from N538 billion to N642 billion in 2025 after a N104 billion supplementary budget to cover counterpart obligations and shifting economic realities. The second track