Who Is Failing Cross River? Explosions, Blackouts, Floods – NUJ Raises Alarm

CALABAR, CROSS RIVER – The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has issued a strong warning over worsening public safety risks, infrastructure failures, and weak regulatory enforcement across Cross River State.

In a communiqué released at the end of its April Congress in Calabar, the union highlighted a growing list of concerns ranging from the return of commercial motorcycles to the proliferation of illegal gas outlets, persistent power outages, and environmental neglect.

The Congress, held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, described the situation as a serious threat to public safety and urban order, urging authorities to act decisively before conditions deteriorate further.

Okada Resurgence Sparks Safety Fears

The union expressed concern over the return of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada, on major roads in Calabar, warning that their largely unregulated activities pose risks to traffic safety and law enforcement.

It called on relevant authorities to enforce existing restrictions and ensure compliance with designated routes, noting that weak enforcement has allowed the practice to resurface despite previous controls.

Illegal Gas Outlets Raise Explosion Risk

Of more immediate concern, the NUJ warned that the indiscriminate siting of gas retail outlets in residential areas has created dangerous conditions for residents.

The union referenced a recent fire outbreak in the Edibe area of Calabar, which reportedly left several residents hospitalised and destroyed property worth millions of naira.

Describing the incident as preventable, the Congress said the continued operation of unregulated gas facilities reflects serious lapses in urban planning and regulatory oversight.

It called on authorities to clamp down on illegal and substandard gas outlets and enforce strict compliance with safety standards.

Power Outages Cripple Daily Life

The communiqué also highlighted persistent electricity outages affecting parts of Calabar and other towns, leaving residents and businesses in prolonged darkness.

The union urged the state government to intervene by facilitating the provision of additional transformers and engaging the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) to restore stable supply.

It warned that unreliable electricity continues to undermine economic activity and social wellbeing across the state.

Flood Risks, Environmental Neglect Under Scrutiny

On environmental issues, the NUJ raised concern over blocked drainage systems and deteriorating roads, linking them to recurring flooding in parts of the state.

It called on the Ministry of Environment and relevant agencies to undertake urgent desilting of drainage channels and rehabilitate failing infrastructure ahead of peak rainfall.

The Congress warned that failure to act could worsen flooding and expose communities to avoidable risks.

Scavenger Activities Linked to Vandalism

The union also condemned the activities of scavengers and buyers of scrap materials, alleging that their operations contribute to theft of metal components, vandalism, and destruction of public infrastructure.

It called for strict enforcement of existing bans and stronger monitoring to curb the activities, which it said are eroding critical infrastructure across the state.

Call for Urgent Government Action

The NUJ reiterated its commitment to holding authorities accountable and called for coordinated, immediate action to address the multiple challenges identified.

Observers say the communiqué reflects growing public frustration over governance gaps and enforcement failures, warning that without decisive intervention, the issues could escalate into broader safety and economic crises.