PRESS STATEMENT 27/5/2026
By Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information.
The attention of the Government of Cross River State has been drawn to a mischievous and grossly misleading report published by News Week Nigeria (Newsweekng.com) on Tuesday, 26th May, 2026 under the title “Cross River in a state of Collapse”.
The so‑called survey, allegedly conducted by SBM Intelligence between April and May 2026, ranked Cross River as “the worst place to live in Nigeria.”
Government categorically rejects this laughable and baseless conclusions about a "World acclaimed tourism destination brand" that is not scientific in proper research standards.
In fact, the credibility of SBM Intelligence is in serious doubt, including the Author of the report in the NewsWeek Nigeria whose lack-lustre performance in the entire Survey, falls short of professional journalism ethical standards.
More so, the incongruous survey report methodology is fatally flawed. Out of a population of over four million people in Cross River State, only 442 participants in the April and May, 2026 phase and 191 in January 2026, were sampled. This insignificant number cannot, by any credible statistical standard, represent the realities of millions of citizens.
To extrapolate from such a small sample size is not research but outright reckless sensationalism intended to hoodwink the citizenry at a time Cross Riverians are celebrating the bold rebirth of the State by His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu in the last three years.
Furthermore, the survey covered only seven States (FCT, Anambra, Bauchi, Kano, Oyo, Rivers, and Cross River), ignoring the majority of Nigeria’s 36 States. Any ranking based on such a narrow scope is inherently biased and unscientific.
Cross River State under Governor Bassey Edet Otu has made demonstrable progress in key quality of life indicators which were maliciously and deliberately ignored by the report:
- Safety: The State has consistently remained the most peaceful State and an investors' haven in Nigeria, supporting Security Agencies with Vehicles and other security apparatus which has enhanced the State's seamless Security architecture over time.
- Healthcare: Investments in primary and secondary health facilities have improved access to healthcare Services. All 196 Wards now have more than one Primary Health Centre. Partners have made tremendous impact across Health institutions in the 18 LGAs
- Affordable living: Cost of living remains manageable with the implementation of the new minimum wage for workers as well as the newly introduced social investment schemes for the vulnerable in the society. Cross River State is much better compared to most urban centers irrespective of the growing inflation rate that is not regulated by any State.
- Family stability: There is strong community ties and cultural cohesion among the citizenry that fosters resilience. The people of Cross River are hard working and resilient.
- Education: Reforms in Primary and Secondary schools as well as tertiary institutions have expanded opportunities for the youths. The State Government has consistently paid WAEC fees in the last three years, thus reducing the burden on parents.
- Roads: Several Kilometres of roads have been completed in Calabar, Ugep, Ikom and Ogoja urbans. Many others are on-going. These roads construction and rehabilitation have improved connectivity across the State.
- Waste management: Modern systems have been introduced to enhance sanitation and environmental health. Environmental Sanitation is now a lifestyle in the State which is why Calabar Capital City has continued to emerge as the greenest and cleanest City in Nigeria.
- Civil service reforms: Transparent restructuring has strengthened governance and efficiency. The State Civil Service is one of the best in Nigeria.
To describe Cross River as “collapsed” is not only false but an insult to the hardworking citizens who continue to build a better future.
Finally, the Government condemns this publication in the strongest possible terms and urges the public to disregard it as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of our State. The Bold efforts of the present administration are glaring for everyone to see— credible, transparent and visible with verifiable facts and figures.
For those still in doubt about the State current ranking like SBM Intelligence and their collaborators in NewsWeek Nigeria, we invite them to Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton Hotel) on Friday, 29th May, 2026 from 11.00am to be part of the celebrations of Governor Bassey Otu's Bold Rebirth of Cross River State in the last three years where they can ask questions and get factual responses.
Cross River remains a land of promise, resilience, and progress. No politically motivated machinations such as this can distract the on-going transformational journey to greatness in Cross River State.
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