Cross River State Partners with FAO to Revamp Coastal Management Policies

Egbe Iloke

 As part of conscious effort towards sustainable environmental management, the Cross River State Government, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, has convened a multi-stakeholder workshop aimed at reviewing and strengthening policies for Integrated Mangrove and Coastal Zone Management.

The workshop held at Naks Hotels, Calabar,  brought together policymakers, environmental experts, the  representatives from Federal, State and Local Government and civil society. 

The primary objective was to critically assess existing Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) policies and legal frameworks to identify gaps and opportunities for better mangrove conservation and sustainable use.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Governor, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Commissioner for Ministry of International Development Coordination, Dr Hippolatus Lukpata said Cross River State house the largest Nigeria’s  remaining mangrove forests, which are vital for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and the livelihoods of local communities. However, these ecosystems face mounting pressures from deforestation, pollution, unsustainable agricultural practices, and urban expansion.

He said coastal protection is necessary against flooding and erosion, biodiversity conservation which serve as a nursery ground for fisheries that sustain the livelihood of of coastal communities.

According to him, mangroves are not only assets but lifeline for food security, income and resilience in the face of climate change pressure for fisheries and forest-dependent families.

He noted that the workshop is to develop a cohesive strategy for integrated  Mangrove Management to ensure that mangrove protection is embedded within broader land-use plan and agricultural development policies with a key expected outcome of the formulation of a draft Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Action Plan for the  State 

He added that the plan will provide a comprehensive roadmap for balancing ecological conservation with economic development along the State’s extensive coastline.

The Commissioner further stated that legal gaps, institutional issues, implementation hurdles and pressure from unsustainable practices in the existing policies pose a serious threat

Dr. Lukpata charge the participants to bring their expertise to bear while expressing hope that with open dialogue, collaboration and shared vision in advancing sustainable development a secured future of coastal ecosystems can be built for the State.

Also speaking,, Chairman, Cross River State Forestry Commission, Dr.  Oben Enche emphasized the State’s commitment for sustainable mangroves management. "Our mangroves are not just trees; they are life-support systems.

He expressed worries over mangroves loss through nypa palm invasion, depletion by coastal communities as source of fuel.

Dr E'tchi express gratitude to FAO towards restoring the State's Mangrove ecosystem already depleted with over 10,000 hectares reclaimed.

 This collaborative effort with the FAO marks a pivotal step in translating the State's political will into actionable, legally sound policies that will protect these treasures for generations to come.

The FAO National Project Coordinator, represented by the Climate Change Specialist, Mrs Nifesimi Ogunkwa stated that to cushion the effects of overdependence on mangroves for fuel and other sustainable use, the organization has provided coastal communities with energy stoves,  alternative livelihood support and restoration of degraded mangrove landscape.

She highlighted the strategic importance of the review workshop in about building a foundation for resilience.

 Mrs Ogunkwa advance that integrating mangrove management into formal agricultural and forestry policies, we are investing in food security, climate action, and sustainable development simultaneously with Cross River State model as a benchmark for other coastal regions in Nigeria.

The review workshop was climaxed with technical presentations on Review of AFOLU policies, Laws and Legal apparatus: observed gaps, recommendations and institutional mandate alignment with global best practices for mangrove management, Cross River Integrated Coastal Zone Management Action Plan; Observed gaps, recommendations and institutional mandate,  Alignment of Climate Change National Social Protection: recommendations and group discussion.

With this policy overhaul it is believed that it will not only safeguard critical ecosystems but also foster a new era of blue and green economic growth for the State. Other highlights include presentation of different topics and was moderated by Dr Asuquo Okon, who was also part of the organizers of the event.

We are Working Towards Elimination of NTD in CRS, Veronica Mark

Iloke Egbe 

The State Programme Coordinator, Neglected Tropical Disease Cross River NTD-CR, Pastor Veronica Mark has expressed excitement on the progress and achievements recorded in the fight towards the elimination of Neglected Tropical Disease in the State. She disclosed this during a two day Programme Review and micro-planning workshop for 2026, held at the Conference hall, Central Medicine Store, Barracks Road Calabar. 

She informed that, the review meeting was very important to keep all Stakeholders focused on the strategic framework and goal of eliminating Neglected Tropical Disease in the State as a mechanism to support and improve the State economy, adding that a healthy economy is built by healthy people. 

She admitted that the State is endemic to four NTD, spread to 14 Local Government Areas while the micro-planning is to administer treatment for soil  transmitter Helminthiasis to eradicate worms related diseases amongst school children between the ages five, etc that good health is central to development and children remain the backbone of the future of any society, therefore, they need to be protected by preventing them from being vulnerable to preventable diseases that can impact negatively on their health and education. 

According to Mrs. Mark, the commitment of stakeholders in the eradication of Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis, and other NTD in the State through the support of Evidence Action has been very meaningful. She maintained that with the timely review and presentation of the Microplan for the deworming exercise, the year 2026 will record more success than 2025.

Adding his voice, the State team lead, Evidence Action, Mr. Andrew Ushie. Informed that the meeting provides them with opportunity to review the work done in 2025 and how best to improve on planning and implementation of activities. He expressed satisfaction for the commitment from all stakeholders as they are charged up for the next round of deworming exercise across the State.

The meeting featured presentation of reports LGA by LGA, discussion on templates for micro planning, agree on timeline for updated micro plan. Introduction to integrated data collection tools and reporting. Also presented was SBD MAM-STH LGAs level, SCH ward level treatment, 2026 SBD approach - use of HCWs/Education teams, and update on medicines or commodity supply chain management. 

In attendance were experts from the Federal Ministry of Health, relevant State Ministries, Departments and Agencies including Civil Society Organizations.

C/River Govt. to Source Nutritional Commodities Locally - Gov. Bassey Otu

Iloke Egbe 

The State Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has declared that shortly the State will discontinue the purchase of Nutrition commodities from Switzerland and other partners that are supplying Commodities which can be locally sourced as the State has comparative advantage in many of the nutritional Commodities supplied by partners.

The Governor, represented by the Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, State Planning Commission and the Vice Chairman, Cross River State Council on Nutrition, Pastor Bong Duke, who disclosed this during the Council meeting held at the SPC Conference Hall, New Secretariat Complex Calabar.

Delivering the Governor's message during the Council first meeting for this year, he stated that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed to source nutrition commodities locally, with plans underway to establish a local manufacturing factory for the production of cereals  in Cross River State.

The Governor advocated for a realistic and implementable nutrition budget and justification for the cost of training health care  personnel as a way of reciprocating Government goodwill for the sector.

In his remarks, the Vice Chairman, State Council on Nutrition reiterated that the establishment of the State Council on Nutrition marks a significant step toward strengthening governance and coordination of nutrition interventions in the State. He emphasized the Council’s role in providing strategic guidance, promoting multi-sectoral synergy, mobilizing resources, and ensuring accountability through monitoring and evaluation. 

He noted that the Council will operate through a dedicated secretariat, hold bi-annual meetings, and periodically review of performance to ensure alignment with national policies. He called on members to act with urgency and unity to eradicate preventable malnutrition and improve the wellbeing of citizens.

Presenting Progress Report on Food and Nutrition, the State Nutrition Officer, Mrs Nkem Ubana emphasized that Nutrition is central to global development, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). While nutrition interventions directly support SDG 2, and they also contribute indirectly to other Sustainable Development Goals by improving Education, gender equality, poverty reduction, and overall life opportunities.

On 3rd/4th Quarter Progress, she informed that Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) delivered essential nutrition interventions statewide, with target population 

Deworming 802,472 while Vitamin A was distributed to 903,213, Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) supplied to 250,772 and under-5 Population: 903,213, that Budget Performance was only 34% of the 2025 on Food and Nutrition.

Highlights of the meeting were presentations, questions and answers. The Council of State on nutrition is made up of the State Governor as chairman, Vice Chairman SPC, Commissioners of Health, Education, Information, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Budget Office, State Committee on Food and Nutrition, etc

CROSS RIVER STATE OIL-PRODUCING STATUS IS SCIENTIFICALLY LEGITIMATE AND JUDICIALLY APPROPRIATE. By John Gaul Lebo

Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s Case Management Strategy

Governor Bassey Edet Otu, upon assuming office in May 2023, constituted the Cross River Economic Intelligence Team (CREIT) and adopted a structured, evidence-driven case management strategy to lawfully, scientifically, and diplomatically secure the recognition of Cross River State’s oil-producing status within the Nigerian federation. 

This strategy is rooted in fidelity to judicial authority, hydrographic science, basin geology, and the constitutional framework for revenue derivation.

Cross River State has consistently maintained that it is not challenging the 2002 Judgment of the International Court of Justice. The ICJ ceded the Akwayafe River estuary and parts of Southern Bakassi to Cameroon, while preserving the Cross River Estuary, sections of the Ikang mangrove axis, and the Calabar Channel. 

The West Point median line, as reflected in international hydrographic interpretations, protected Nigeria’s elongated continental shelf geometry and the natural seaward orientation of the Cross River Estuary. 

Cross River’s case therefore proceeds, not from defiance of international adjudication, but from compliance with it, grounded in the obligation of justice to give effect to lawful entitlements — “ex debito justitiae”.

Similarly, Cross River State does not challenge the 2005 Supreme Court judgment affirming land boundary ownership between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. As noted by Edozien, JSC, until the formal demarcation of the maritime boundary between both states, the Court could not conclusively determine offshore oil-well entitlements.

 This judicial restraint underscores the scientific reality that maritime rights flow from hydrographic demarcation, not from cartographic approximations. Cross River’s reliance on subsequent technical verification is therefore consistent with the Court’s reasoning and anchored in scientific due process, rather than any attempt to reopen settled land boundaries.

In response to the 2005 judgment, President Olusegun Obasanjo brokered a political settlement in 2006 among Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States to cushion the economic consequences of the ICJ ruling on Nigeria’s coastal configuration.

 The allocation of oil wells under that political solution was a pragmatic federal intervention intended to preserve stability and equity pending scientific demarcation. The legitimacy of this political solution lies in its equitable intent and its interim character, designed to prevent economic dislocation while technical boundaries remained unresolved.

Following the exit of President Obasanjo from office, however, the National Boundary Commission, in collaboration with Akwa Ibom State, unilaterally adjusted land and maritime representations using the 2008 oil dichotomy implementation map.

 This administrative act effectively reversed the earlier political allocation of oil wells to Cross River State without hydrographic demarcation or basin geology analysis. Such a unilateral administrative reconfiguration, lacking scientific foundation, cannot found legitimate entitlement and offends the principle that no right can arise from a wrongful foundation — “ex turpi causa non oritur actio”.

The 2012 Supreme Court judgment, relying substantially on the NBC cartographic representation and the post-Bakassi configuration, declared Cross River State non-littoral. Crucially, the Court did not determine geological basin ownership, reservoir continuity, or the legality of new well discoveries. 

The judgment addressed coastal frontage, not petroleum geology. It did not extinguish Cross River’s entitlement to wells located within its onshore and nearshore basin system or within estuarine and sub-200 metre isobath environments. To extend the non-littoral finding into a geological forfeiture would be a misapplication of the ratio decidendi.

Between 2002 and February 2026, Nigeria’s international maritime boundary following the ICJ judgment, as well as the internal maritime boundary between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, remain undemarcated. In the absence of hydrographic demarcation by the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office and international charting under UNCLOS standards, Nigeria does not possess a scientifically finalised offshore limit. 

To administratively “cut off” the Cross River Estuary in such circumstances is to substitute conjecture for hydrography, an approach that undermines both international maritime law and domestic constitutional practice.

Per Adekeye, JSC, the Supreme Court in 2012 expressly directed that an inter-agency committee should locate and verify the coordinates of the oil wells lying between the offshore boundaries of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. 

This judicial directive remains the operative pathway for resolution. The long delay in implementing this technical verification does not negate Cross River’s entitlement; rather, it underscores the continuing duty of institutions to complete the scientific process mandated by the Court.

In 2024 and 2025, acting on credible economic intelligence, Governor Bassey Edet Otu petitioned the President with detailed technical dossiers, including 245 surface and reservoir coordinates across OML 114, 123, and 115.

 The submissions demonstrated that reliance on the 2008 NBC map excluded significant estuarine waters within the Cross River Estuary and ignored multiple transboundary reservoir continuity straddles. 

These representations were made “ex relatione amici” — in good faith, as a friend of the Nigerian state, seeking to correct technical errors with probative scientific evidence.

The subsequent inter-agency verification exercise confirmed the overwhelming majority of the submitted coordinates and attributed substantial well locations to Cross River State. The consistency between the earlier political allocation, the 2024 sub-committee findings, and the 2025 inter-agency verification underscores the scientific coherence of Cross River’s claim. In legal terms, the facts speak for themselves — res ipsa loquitur. 

This coherence further dispels the artificial fear that earlier Supreme Court judgments foreclose the discovery and attribution of new wells. Judicial determinations on status do not fossilise geology; petroleum systems evolve with exploration, seismic reinterpretation, and technological advancement.

The probative materials submitted by Cross River State further demonstrate Nigeria’s entitlement to additional maritime and reservoir space under the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, extending Nigeria’s continental shelf rights beyond the conventional 200-metre isobath. 

The failure to align domestic boundary practices with extended continental shelf entitlements risks not only state-level injustice but also national loss of strategic offshore resources.

Ultimately, Cross River State’s claim arises from onshore, nearshore, and offshore wells located below the littoral offshore line and short of the 200-metre isobath within the Cross River Basin petroleum system. 

The State’s position is not adversarial to the courts, but complementary to judicial reasoning, grounded in hydrographic science, petroleum geology, and constitutional equity. 

Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s case management strategy reflects patience, institutional respect, and strategic restraint. When vindication comes, it will come with consequences and lessons.

 Cross River State stands prepared to tarry and wait, but not to relinquish scientific truth or lawful entitlement.

Cross River State Clarifies Littoral Status Pursuit, Emphasizes No Claim on Akwa Ibom Territory

Cross River State is emphasizing that its efforts to regain littoral status should not be interpreted as a claim on any territory belonging to Akwa Ibom State. 

Mr. Nsa Gill, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to Governor Bassey Otu, addressed this point during a briefing, stating the need for clarification due to what he described as the politicization of the issue by some Akwa Ibom elders. 

He stressed that the matter extends beyond previous Supreme Court judgments, which some argue preclude Cross River from benefiting from coastal resources.

Mr. Gill highlighted the scientific basis for Cross River's claim to littoral status, emphasizing the continued existence of Bakassi Local Government Area within the state and its access to the Gulf of Guinean, despite the ICJ ruling that ceded parts of the peninsula to Cameroon.

He explained that Governor Otu, after evaluating the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, has taken steps to ensure its realization. A key step was the approval for a hydrographic, geophysical, and geotechnical survey of the area, contracted to the National Hydrographic Agency (under the Nigerian Navy). This survey, conducted around Parrot and Tomshot Islands, provided crucial data on soil composition, water depth, and other parameters necessary for the port's construction.

Mr. Gill emphasized the broader national significance of the survey, stating that its results have the potential to reshape the understanding of the Gulf of Guinea. The technical report was presented to the President, who subsequently approved funding for the Bakassi Deep Seaport project from Afrexim Bank, with construction managed by Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms. The survey provided Nigeria with an updated nautical chart, recognized in the World Hydrographic Chart, generating revenue from ships using the area. Furthermore, it reinforces the strategic importance of the Cross River Estuary for navigation, maritime security, and continental shelf entitlement.

Following the presentation of scientific data, the President authorized an Inter-agency Technical Committee for field verification. This committee included representatives from Akwa Ibom State, led by their Surveyor General, as well as the Cross River State and Federal Surveyors General, and other federal agencies. The team conducted a technical verification, plotting 239 crude oil and gas wellheads using current scientific base maps. This process goes beyond the 76 oil wells controversially awarded to Akwa Ibom State in 2012, following a Supreme Court judgment, which Cross River argues was implemented administratively without a proper survey by the National Boundary Commission and the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission.

Mr. Gill reiterated that Cross River's claims are based on verifiable facts, not propaganda. He stated that Governor Otu is committed to recovering the state's lost littoral status and the associated financial earnings that were allocated to Akwa Ibom after the 2012 Supreme Court judgment. He expressed hope that, in time, Akwa Ibom residents will also benefit from the resulting prosperity and development.

He concluded by underscoring the national maritime security implications of the Cross River Estuary and its offshore boundaries.

It is also note worthy knowing that the ICJ judgment of 2002 did not cede all parts of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon and Cross River Estuary still exist and Nigeria never ceded oil wells to Cameroon. If Nigeria did not cede any oil well to Cameroon, why is Cross River denied what was known to be theirs? When Cross River and Akwa Ibom State never had any dispute prior to the judgement.

A Civil Servant Should not be Desperate to Become Rich Overnight, Learn to Grow, Don't Blow* Bong Duke

Iloke Egbe 

The Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Cross River State Planning Commission, Pastor Dr. Bong Duke has charged Civil Servants in the State not to be desperate to become rich overnight, but should learn to grow by their years in the service and not to blow in wealth.

He gave the advice during a send-forth ceremony organized by the State Bureau of Statistics in honour of the immediate past State Statistician General, Dr Josephat Ogar and other retirees from the Bureau, at the State Planing Commission building, New Secretariat Complex Calabar.

Mr. Duke reiterated that the life of a Civil Servant is different from that of a business person, as Civil Servants are  characterized by patience, honesty, respectfulness, adding that the Service inculcate dignity and containment at different levels. He acknowledged the quality contributions of Dr Josephat Ogar and other retirees to the Bureau of Statistics and Cross River State at large through the preservation of the State heritage, integrity, administrative structures and the bureaucratic process and called on serving Civil Servants to emulate the good examples from the retirees.

Earlier, the Acting Director, Statistics, State Bureau of Statistics Mrs. Ekedoh Okoi Edet informed that the celebration was to honour visionaries and professionals whose commitment, discipline, and intellectual leadership. shaped the statistical architecture of Cross-River State and the ceremony is also in recognition of the legacies of the first Statistician-General, Mr. Solomon Itam Ettah who laid the foundation upon which the bureau stands today, at a time when institutional structures were still evolving.

She admitted that Mr Ettah provided direction, administrative clarity, and professional credibility by

establishing systems, build capacities, and embedded statistical culture within Government processes which required courage and oversight. 

Mrs. Edet acknowledged the immediate past Statistics General, Dr Josephat Ogar 

who strengthened and expanded the foundation already established through stewardship, and deepened the Bureau methodological rigor, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and improved the visibility of official statistics within policy cycles, adding that he consolidated structures and elevated operational standards while acknowledging the support of the State Planing Commission to the Bureau.

In his comment, the Permanent Secretary, State Planning Commission, Mr. Kingsley Ndem Eyibio expressed satisfaction with the thoughtfulness by the Acting Director Statistics in the Bureau, adding that the immediate past Statistician General and the retired Staff demonstrated patriotism during their active service to the State.

Highlights of the event was reading of the retirees citations, presentation of gifts and a vote of thanks by the immediate past State Statistician General Dr. Josephat Ogar on behalf of the retirees. The retirees were the first State Statistician General, Mr. Solomon Itam Ettah, the immediate past State Statistician General, Dr Josephat Ogar, others are Mrs. Felicia Apia, Mr. Akpi Unwanade, Mr. Raphael Enok and Mr. David Ugah who all retired from the State Bureau of Statistic at different times.

Global Fund through KNCV Donate Five Sets of Portable Digital X-ray Machines to the CRS Government

Iloke Egbe 

An International Development Partners operating in the State, Global Fund through indigenous Nongovernmental Organizations KNCV has donated five sets of portable digital x-ray machines to the Cross River State Government.

Receiving the items on behalf of the State Government at the State Planning Commission building, New Secretariat Complex Calabar. The Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Elder Dr Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata expressed delight with the donation facilitated by KNCV to support the State efforts in the elimination of TB and related diseases. 

According to the Commissioner, he feels fulfilled with the support the State has received to address TB prevalence, adding that there should be sustainability plans through manpower training in the Management of the equipments and maintenance in case of breakdown.

He requested that a monitoring and evaluation component be activated in the various Hospitals that will benefit the machines to enhance maintenance and sustainability to prolong the lifespan of the machines and appreciate the management of KNCV Nigeria for their support to the State.

Earlier, the Senior Program Officer, KNCV Project Cross River State Dr. Cynthia Onwuteaka said KNCV is an indigenous Nongovernmental Organization that is into the control of Tuberculosis and other diseases of public health importance.

That the machines are for use in both primary and secondary health facilities and will be delivered to five high-borden facilities which will be used for free TB diagnosis. Adding that it can be taken out to communities to do community outreaches to carter for those who have poor health-seeking behavior.

According to Mrs. Onwuteaka, the machines comes with inverters and batteries that allow them to be used in communities for long hours and for sustainability sake, Staff are trained in the facility, asserting that even at the close of their project, the Staff trained remain human resource for the State Government and will continue to operate the machines.

The items donated are five sets of portable digital x-ray machines and accessories, five high quality inverters and five units of high quality 10-watt battery. Presenting the items, Mrs Onwuteaka informed that the machines were sponsored by Global Funds and thanked the State Government for providing an enabling environment for their operations.

In his contributions, the Permanent Secretary MIDC, Dr. Ofegobi. Balingwo thanked the facilitators for the show of love and management of the Ministry for the cordial relationship. In attendance were Dr. Asuquo Enoch, Program Officer KNCV Global Fund, CPPM Project , Elder Mrs Ajom Odey Ikongha  Program Manager,  State TB, Leprosy and Buruli ulcer control Program(STBLCP) while some Directors and heads of Departments in the Ministry were present.