BREAKING Cross River Workers Threaten Picket Over Unpaid Salaries Since December 2025

Tension is rising in the Cross River State civil service as frustrated workers have threatened to picket the office of the state Accountant-General over the continued non-payment of their salaries.

Speaking in Calabar on Friday, the workers told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that their financial situation has become unbearable, alleging that they were last paid in December 2025.

They say the delay has pushed many staff into hardship, and warned that if urgent action is not taken, they will stage a protest at the Accountant-General’s office to demand their entitlements.#BreakingNews, #CrossRiver, #SalaryCrisis, #NigeriaNews

NOA to Blow N252m to Teach Youths Say ‘No Japa Syndrome’ – Wahala or Opportunity?

Omo, government dey serious oo! National Orientation Agency (NOA) don plan to spend N252 million to sensitise Nigerian youths against Japa Syndrome – the wahala wey make plenty young people dey run abroad for better life.

According to the 2026 budget, the money go cover three locations: Kebbi State (N77m), Owan federal constituency (N140m), and Cross River’s Calabar municipal/Odukpani (N35m).

This na part of bigger youth empowerment and sensitisation drive, wey also include drug abuse, FGM, domestic violence, and civic education. NOA talk say dem dey target reach 3 million Nigerians daily through awareness campaigns.

Minister of Budget, Senator Atiku Bagudu, don beg youths to stop illegal migration, say government don arrange measures to empower them inside Naija.

Lagos Airport Police Arrest Suspected International Romance Fraudster Over Alleged ₦1 Billion U.S. Scam as Nigeria Police Uncover Celebrity Impersonation, Crypto Fraud and Gift Card Scheme

The Nigeria Police Force, Airport Police Command in Lagos, has arrested a 20-year-old suspect, Essien Emmanuel Akpama, over his alleged involvement in an international romance and celebrity fraud operation that reportedly defrauded victims in the United States of over ₦1 billion (more than $1 million). According to a police statement, Akpama was apprehended on January 5, 2026, by operatives of the Anti-Fraud Unit while attempting to board a flight out of Lagos following months of intelligence-led surveillance.
Police said the suspect previously lived in Calabar before relocating to Lagos in February 2024 and allegedly used a sophisticated online scam, including a cryptocurrency platform known as “BullRun 2.0,” to deceive victims. In one case, investigators said he convinced a 47-year-old U.S.-based woman to transfer $1 million under the guise of purchasing property in Florida for an orphanage. Another victim, a 70-year-old woman, was reportedly defrauded of over ₦25.7 million through the purchase of gift cards and high-end electronic devices that were shipped to Nigeria.
Items recovered from the suspect include multiple smartphones and a MacBook laptop valued at over ₦8 million. Police said Akpama posed as a 60-year-old United Nations orthopedic surgeon to gain trust and facilitate the fraud. The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, reaffirmed the commitment of the Command to prevent airports from being used as escape routes for criminal suspects. The case has been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Special Fraud Unit, and the suspect is expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Nigerian Police Inspector’s Alleged Accidental Discharge Kills Man at Calabar Drinking Spot, Inspector Arrested

A 40-year-old man, Sunday Ejimot, was shot dead in Calabar, Cross River State, following an alleged accidental discharge from a police inspector’s service pistol. The incident occurred on December 29, 2025, around 1:40 pm at a drinking spot along Asimita Road, Ikot Ansa, where Inspector Atimbang Ojogwu, attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), was reportedly drinking with members of his community. The inspector allegedly forgot the pistol was already cocked and accidentally fired, hitting Ejimot in the neck. The victim was rushed to Navy Reference Hospital Mine but was confirmed dead on arrival. Authorities have disarmed and arrested the inspector, while the deceased’s body has been taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) morgue for preservation and autopsy. The incident has sparked concerns over police conduct and firearm safety in Nigeria.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Signs N617.95bn 2026 Budget into Law, Says Gombe Will Continue to Lead with Action

...Gombe Takes the Lead, Appropriates N12bn for Northern Security Fund

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill of Gombe State into law, giving the force of law for the implementation of the N617.95 billion “Budget of Consolidation.”

The signing ceremony, which took place at the Council Chamber of the Government House, Gombe, followed the formal presentation of the Appropriation Bill as passed by members of the Gombe State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo.

The 2026 budget makes provision for N189 billion as recurrent expenditure, accounting for 21.6 per cent, while N428.5 billion, representing 69.4 per cent, is devoted to capital projects, further reinforcing the administration’s focus on infrastructure, service delivery and long-term growth.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya had initially presented a N535.69 billion budget proposal to the House. After a legislative review, the Assembly approved an upward adjustment of over N82 billion, bringing the total budget size to N617.95 billion.

A key feature of the budget is the allocation of N12 billion for regional security fund, translating to a N1 billion monthly contribution, in line with resolutions of the Northern States Governors’ Forum. The move places Gombe State at the forefront of collective efforts by northern states to confront insecurity through practical and sustained funding.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Inuwa Yahaya reiterated his administration’s commitment to the safety of lives and property, the completion of ongoing legacy projects, and the delivery of people-focused development across both urban and rural communities.

He explained that the 2026 budget prioritises critical sectors such as health, education, social investment, environmental protection, mineral resources development, and includes a special allocation for the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (GSCPWD).

“This administration remains fully committed to responding to the needs and aspirations of our people with a budget that is realistic, responsible and centred on the citizen,” the Governor said.

Reflecting on his administration’s record, Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted that no sector of the state’s economy has been neglected since he assumed office.

“In the history of Gombe State, no government has touched the lives of the people across so many sectors like this one. From health and education to infrastructure and social support, the impact is visible,” he stated.

He thanked the House of Assembly for what he described as a thoughtful and people-oriented review of the budget, assuring that the government would maintain the fiscal discipline it is known for.

According to him, budget implementation under his leadership has consistently exceeded 70 per cent.

The Governor also commended the lawmakers for their unity and seriousness during the budget process, describing their full attendance at the presentation of the estimates as a strong sign of mutual respect and cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for their continued support to Gombe State through various development programmes, while appealing for even more interventions in the year ahead.

“We started with work. We are still working. And by the grace of God, we will end with more work,” he said.

Earlier, Speaker Abubakar Luggerewo, said the lawmakers were at the Government House to formally present the 2026 Appropriation Bill for the Governor’s assent.

He disclosed that the House received the budget proposal on 13 November 2025, subjected it to detailed scrutiny, and held an extended session of the Appropriation Committee in Calabar, Cross River State, to enrich the document with additional inputs, leading to modest upward adjustments.

The Speaker praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya for the numerous development projects across the state, particularly in the health, education and other key sectors.

He recalled that a recent health summit organized by the state government drew experts from across the world, most of whom acknowledged Gombe State’s steady progress in healthcare delivery.

Hon. Luggerewo said the Assembly’s adjustments to the budget were made in good faith and in the best interest of the people.

He also appreciated the Governor for ensuring healthy working relationship among the arms of government and for providing the legislature with vehicles and other logistics that have improved their efficiency.

DSS Arrests Gang Leader, Others Behind 2023 Abduction and Murder of Neurologist Prof. Ephraim in Cross River State

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested key suspects linked to the 2023 abduction and murder of renowned neurologist, Professor Ekanem Philip Ephraim, in Cross River State. According to a report by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the prime suspect, Patrick Essien Etim, was arrested alongside accomplices while allegedly planning another kidnapping. The suspects reportedly confessed to abducting and killing the professor after collecting multiple ransom payments from her family. Professor Ephraim was kidnapped from her private clinic in Calabar by gunmen posing as patients, an incident that sparked widespread protests and an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Medical Association in the state. The DSS said the arrests mark a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and restore public safety.

Nigerian Navy Rescues 20 Crew Members from Fire on MV Chimba Express in Calabar

The Nigerian Navy confirmed the rescue of 20 crew members from the foreign vessel MV Chimba Express after a fire broke out along the Calabar Channel on December 22, 2025. The vessel, carrying 14 Nigerians and 7 Cameroonians from Gabon to Calabar, suffered a fire in its midship and aft sections. Naval personnel, supported by local fishermen and other units, rescued the crew using life buoys and administered first aid. One crew member, the Chief Engineer, remains missing after reportedly jumping overboard. Investigation into the fire’s cause and ongoing search operations continue.

#NigerianNavy #MVChimbaExpress #MaritimeRescue #Calabar #FireIncident #SeafarerSafety #NigeriaNews

20 Nigerian Navy Crew Members Rescued After MV Chimba Express Catches Fire in Cross River, Chief Engineer Missing Amid Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations

A Nigerian Navy vessel successfully rescued 20 crew members from the MV Chimba Express, which caught fire along the Oron–Calabar waterways in Cross River State. The vessel, en route from Gabon to Calabar carrying scrap materials, had 21 crew members, including 14 Nigerians and 7 Cameroonians. The Chief Engineer reportedly jumped into the water fearing an explosion and is still missing, with search operations ongoing. Rescue efforts were supported by local fishermen and naval personnel, using life buoys and portable pumps to contain the fire. The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to maritime safety and protection of seafarers. This incident echoes a similar April fire on the Igbega Eko ferry, which injured four passengers.

#NigerianNavy #MaritimeSafety #CrossRiverAccident

Four Companies Ready to Fund, Take Over and Toll Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Section 1 — Works Minister Umahi

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has revealed that four companies have expressed interest in fully funding, taking over and tolling Section 1 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway. Speaking during an end-of-year press briefing, Umahi said the firms are willing to refund 100 percent of government expenditure on the section, citing the project’s high return on investment and commercial viability. He said the move aligns with the Tinubu administration’s strategy of leveraging private-sector participation for major infrastructure projects. The 700-kilometre highway, estimated to cost ₦15.6 trillion, has faced criticism over transparency and cost, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and others calling for full disclosure of contractual and financing details.

Elderly Woman Feared Murdered After Months of Witchcraft Accusations in Cross River

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has raised alarm over the suspected abduction and possible murder of 86-year-old widow Ms. Arit Inyang in Calabar, Cross River State. Her nephew, Anthony Malachy, had reportedly harassed and threatened her for months, accusing her of witchcraft and even attacking her home. Despite police intervention, Malachy was released, and Ms. Inyang subsequently disappeared in late October 2023. AfAW is calling for a full police investigation, the arrest of Malachy, and justice for the elderly woman, highlighting the deadly consequences of witchcraft allegations in Nigeria.

Twenty-One Economic Miracles Currently Happening Under President Tinubu

One: Our foreign reserves have crossed the $45 billion mark for the first time in six years. It is now the fourth-highest on the African continent.

Two: The prudent management of our foreign reserves under President Tinubu has led to a 3.93% GDP growth in the immediate past quarter and 4.23% growth in the quarter before that (Q2, 2025).

Three: Nigeria, under President Tinubu, has, within two years, moved from being Africa's biggest petrol importer to becoming West Africa's largest exporter of the same product.

Four: For the first time in over a decade, Nigeria has overshot its OPEC quota for three consecutive months and is set to do the same for the fourth month, producing an average of 1.71 million barrels per day.

Five: President Tinubu gave Nigerian airlines direct flights to London's Gatwick Airport, United Kingdom, London's Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom, São Paulo, Brazil, Bogotá, Colombia, Entebbe, Uganda, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Algiers, Algeria, and St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean.

Six: Oil theft has been reduced to less than 10,000 barrels per day, a sixteen-year low.

Seven: Nigeria achieved its revenue target for the entire year in August, a first in our history.

Eight: The Nigerian Stock Exchange rose above 130,000 All Share Index for the first time ever.

Nine: Our economy expanded by $67 billion in just two years, moving Nigeria's GDP from a ₦269.29 trillion economy on May 29, 2023, when Asiwaju became President, to ₦372.8 trillion today.

Ten: Between January and August 2025, non-oil tax revenue was ₦20.59 trillion, a 40.5% increase from the ₦14.6 trillion recorded in the corresponding period in 2024.

Eleven: MTN Nigeria Limited hit a record valuation of ₦10 trillion, the first Nigerian company to do so.

Twelve: Food prices have fallen significantly, resulting in a drop in inflation to 16.05% at present, down from 20.12% in August 2025, a 1.76% decline from July's 21.88%.

Thirteen: Dangote and other retailers have crashed fuel prices below ₦1000.

Fourteen: The Naira has stabilised and is now below ₦1500 to $, making it among the world's best-performing currencies, according to Fitch Ratings.

Fifteen: Nigeria broke its power generation record with a peak generation of 5,801.84MW and maximum daily energyoutput of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), the highest ever attained in the history of the electricity industry in Nigeria.

Sixteen: After a record trade surplus last year, Nigeria appears set to beat its 2024 figure. Our trade surplus rose 44.3% in Q2 to ₦7.46 trillion, up from ₦5.17 trillion in Q1.

Seventeen: In a sign of an improving economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria reduced interest rates by 50 basis points to 27%, the first time since the #COVID19 pandemic.

Eighteen: Fitch and S&P Global Ratings upgraded Nigeria's economy to a Stable B.

Nineteen: Two PhDs in economics, in the persons of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, and the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and incumbent Governor of Anambra, Dr Chukwuma Soludo, both confirmed that President Tinubu has "stabilised the economy".

Twenty: Rail transport expanded in Nigeria by 43.08% in Q2 2025.

Twenty-one: Road transport expanded by 24.50% in Q2 2025, driven by the ₦13 trillion 1,068-kilometre Illela-Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and the ₦15 trillion 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, currently under construction.

Bonus: Student loans were awarded to an unprecedented 500,000 students, with hundreds of thousands more awaiting their loans.

Effective rebranding projects a positive image of what is happening. It is the best way to neutralise enemies of the nation who want to overwhelm the airwaves with negative information. If you are a patriot who loves Nigeria and wants your country to progress, please spread this truthful message.

Reno Omokri

Cross River Declares 20-Day Christmas and New Year Holiday for Workers

The Cross River State government has approved a 20-day holiday for all civil and public servants to fully participate in Christmas and New Year celebrations. The break, announced in a circular signed by Head of Service Orok Okon, will run from December 15, 2025, to January 5, 2026, with essential workers exempted. The leave coincides with preparations for the landmark 20th edition of Carnival Calabar, Africa’s biggest street festival, expected to boost tourism and cultural festivities across the state.

PHOTO: from the ongoing construction of the Calabar section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

Minister of Works, David Umahi visited the site yesterday to inspect the work done so far.

Families Raise Alarm as UNICROSS Lecturers Remain Missing Six Months After Kidnapping in Imo State

Families of two young lecturers from the University of Cross River State, Engr. Odu Emmanuel Odu and Eja Vincent Ndifon, have cried out over the lack of progress six months after the pair were kidnapped along the Okigwe–Okwele Road in Imo State. Despite early media attention, ASUU involvement, and repeated visits to security agencies, the families say they have received no updates from the police, DSS, or the Imo State Government. Both victims, aged 32, were travelling from Lagos to Calabar after purchasing a vehicle when they were abducted. The families describe the ordeal as emotionally devastating and call on authorities to release investigation findings and intensify rescue efforts, noting that the lecturers were promising PhD candidates and active ASUU members.

Dangote Surge Forces Petrol Prices Down as Depots, NNPC Slash Rates Nationwide

Nigerians are beginning to feel relief as private depots and NNPC retail stations slash petrol prices following a major increase in supply triggered by the Dangote Refinery. After Dangote announced it is now producing 50 million litres of petrol daily, depot owners across Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar reduced ex-depot prices to stay competitive, with rates now ranging between ₦835 and ₦853 per litre depending on location.
NNPC stations also cut pump prices to ₦905 in Lagos and ₦930 in Abuja, with major marketers like MRS and Ardova selling below ₦900. With strong supply from Dangote and incoming oil cargoes, more price reductions may follow. Diesel prices are also falling, driven by increased supply and lower demand.

Nigerian Navy Rescues 10 Crew Members from Distressed Vessel Off Calabar Coast.

The Nigerian Navy says its personnel have rescued 10 crew members from a distressed vessel off Calabar waters.

In a statement on Friday, Navy spokesperson Commodore A. Adams-Aliu said the rescue was carried out by troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA after receiving a distress call at about 8pm.

According to him, the Base deployed a naval gunboat fitted with a submersible pump to assist MV SEMA III, which had departed Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, and was heading to Calabar, Cross River State, before it began taking in water.

Upon arrival, the naval team safely evacuated all 10 occupants — one Cameroonian, one Equatorial Guinean, and eight Nigerians. The rescued crew members were taken to FOB IBAKA, where they were debriefed, cared for, and accommodated until Saturday, 8 November 2025.

The Master of MV SEMA III expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for the swift response and professional handling of the situation.

He added that the incident highlights the Navy’s strengthened efforts under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to enhance maritime safety, safeguard national maritime assets, and support lawful economic activities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.

Political Earthquake in Bayelsa: Governor Diri Dumps PDP for APC, Cites Tinubu’s “Love for Ijaw People”

Bayelsa’s political landscape has witnessed a stunning shift as Governor Douye Diri officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) — a move that has seen most members of the State House of Assembly follow his lead.

The Governor explained that his decision was not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to align Bayelsa State with the federal government for accelerated development and better opportunities for the people.

Speaking at the defection ceremony, Diri praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its “unprecedented commitment” to the Niger Delta’s development, describing it as proof of the President’s affection for the Ijaw nation.

“Government has shown us the will and the direction that they love the Ijaw people and Bayelsa State,” Diri declared during a live broadcast on Channels Television.


He highlighted three major developmental milestones achieved through federal partnership as justification for his defection:

1. Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road: A long-awaited project now actively pursued under President Tinubu, described by Diri as “the economic lifeline of the Ijaw people.”


2. Nembe–Brass Road Project: Once stalled, but revived after Tinubu’s swift approval. “When I met the President, he said, ‘Governor, it is done,’ and within days, contractors were on site,” Diri recounted.


3. ₦4 Billion Tax Waiver: Granted for the importation of 60-megawatt gas turbines to provide Bayelsa with 24-hour independent power supply, a breakthrough after years of darkness due to grid sabotage.

Diri concluded that these “acts of grace” proved Tinubu’s genuine commitment to Bayelsa’s progress, calling his move to the APC “a necessary alignment for the future prosperity of our people.”

Peter Obi’s Claims On Neglect Of Ports Outside Lagos Is Incorrect’ – Ministry Of Marine

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has described the claims of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that the federal government is neglecting ports outside Lagos as incorrect and misleading.

Peter Obi recently criticised the Federal Government’s approval of US$1 billion for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos.

The former Governor of Anambra State urged the Federal Government to extend port development to other parts of the country.

In a post on his 𝕏 handle, Peter Obi condemned the excessive investment in Lagos’s infrastructure.

He lamented that such actions are carried out at the expense of other strategic ports such as Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne.

In response, the spokesperson to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Bolaji Akinola, in a statement on Wednesday, said the ministry welcomes constructive criticisms but argued that Peter Obi’s comments were misleading.

Akinola stated that the government is committed to modernising ports nationwide, stressing that the ministry has begun procurement for the upgrade of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne, alongside the ongoing modernisation of Apapa and TinCan Island ports.

The statement read, “The Federal Government is collaborating with state governments and private investors on new deep seaports in Bayelsa (Agge), Akwa Ibom (Ibom), Rivers (Bonny), and Cross River states.

Dangote Refinery deploys CNG trucks to distribute petrol at N850 per litre.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has intensified efforts through the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks to distribute Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol at N850 per litre to different parts of the nation.

Chief Executive officer of Petroleumprice.ng, Olatide Jeremiah, said: “Generally, the depot prices have increased. Market data showed that petrol sold between ¦ 870 and ¦ 900 per litre at key depots in Lagos and Calabar, reflecting a steady climb over the past week.

“In Lagos, where most private depots rely on imported supply, prices remained elevated even after recent reviews. Aiteo and Pinnacle both sold petrol at ¦ 890 and ¦ 870 per litre, respectively, while Integrated Oil and Gas priced PMS at ¦ 870 per litre.

“At Calabar, Matrix Energy and Northwest Petroleum traded at ¦ 890 and ¦ 880 per litre, while Sobaz Depot hit ¦ 900 per litre —the highest recorded so far this month.”

“The hike in depot prices would likely crash once the Dangote Petroleum Refinery completes its rehabilitation because the plant has the capacity to impact the domestic market.”

However, the retail prices of petrol have increased by 6.8 percent to N955 per litre, from N890 per litre sold last week.

The NNPCL, and stations owned by Independent Marketers in Lagos and Abuja showed that the petrol was dispersed between N900 and N955 per litre.

Also, petrol marketers across Abuja, the nation’s capital, on Tuesday increased their pump price by over N50 per litre following a similar increase by NNPC Limited.

"Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Costs ₦7.5 Billion Per Kilometer" —David Umahi

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has justified the ₦7.5 billion per kilometer cost of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway insisting that the ₦1.067 trillion budgeted for the first 47.47-kilometer section is fair & even below global benchmarks

Addressing journalists in a recent briefing, Umahi explained that the project’s cost reflects its complex design — a 6 lane reinforced concrete expressway featuring flyovers, underpasses, shoreline protection, solar lighting & landscaping

“A standard coastal road costs ₦7.5 billion per kilometer,” Umahi said. “This includes all fillings, shore protections, solar streetlights & the planting of trees.”

According to him, the figure was derived by dividing the total ₦1.067 trillion cost by the road length & adjusting it to a standard two-lane federal highway. “When you divide ₦1.067 trillion by 47.47 kilometers & then by two lanes, it gives ₦7.5 billion per kilometer of a standard road,” he explained

Umahi noted that the cost also factors in difficult terrain and extensive groundwork. He disclosed that engineers encountered pits as deep as 20 meters along parts of the route, which had to be excavated and refilled in layers before concrete laying could begin.

Comparing the current project to older asphalt-based roads, the minister argued that the use of reinforced concrete ensures greater durability and long-term value for money.

He also revealed that international financial institutions, including a Dutch-led consortium, reviewed the project and found it to be “undervalued.” Umahi added that the 70% loan portion of the project was oversubscribed by $100 million, reflecting global confidence in its feasibility.

Defending the government’s transparency, Umahi challenged critics to be factual in their assessments. “If international lenders can back this project, we are ready to face anyone. But when criticising, be objective and tell the public the truth,” he stated.