From Right: Comrade Achanie Adams, Treasurer, Comrade Archibong Bassey, Chairman, Comrade Sunny Inah, Vice Chairman during the January 28, 2026 NUJ State Congress.
By Ita Williams, Calabar
The Cross River State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has issued a strong critique of the state’s emergency response capabilities, citing the near-total dysfunction of the State Fire Service.
During its first 2026 Congress held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, State Housing on Wednesday, members expressed deep concern over equipment failure, which delayed responses to recent fire on Goldie Street and other areas, leading to millions of naira in property loss.
The Congress called for an immediate overhaul of the service and better inter-agency collaboration during emergencies.
The Congress also turned its attention to the perilous state of federal highways linking the state, saying it leaves much to be desired.
Delegates decried the deplorable condition of the Ikom–Calabar and Odukpani–Uyo roads, which they said have severely hampered the movement of people and goods while causing frequent vehicle breakdown and accidents.
The NUJ urgently appealed to the governments of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States to carry out remedial works to prevent further loss of lives and property.
In a related safety concern, the NUJ highlighted the gradual return of commercial motorcycles in Calabar, despite an official ban within the metropolis and called for strict enforcement of the prohibition to reduce accidents and fatalities.
It further urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and security agencies to regulate the use of powerbikes and motorcycles, which are sometimes linked to criminal activities. “The enforcement undermines public safety,” the resolution stated.
Environmental hazards in the state capital also came under scrutiny as Congress observed that numerous trees in Calabar and other major towns have overgrown with weeds and now pose serious risks to pedestrians and vehicles.
It emphasized the need for periodic trimming and maintenance by relevant authorities to prevent road blockages and potential accidents.
On electricity supply, the NUJ trained its sights on the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) company.
The Congress called on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to enhance its monitoring and regulation of PHED’s activities.
It particularly condemned instances where consumers’ power is disconnected, yet their prepaid meters continue to deplete units—a practice described as exploitative and requiring immediate correction.
