Gov. Bassey Otu (left), presenting a plaque to the IOM Chief of Mission to Nigeria, Ms. Dimanche Sharon during the courtesy visit.
By Anietie Akpan
Cross River State Government is alarmed with the recent inundation of refugees into the state saying, the situation is worsening.
The State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu raised the concerns over the growing humanitarian burden caused by the influx of refugees into the state and seeks urgent support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as the situation is taking a toll on the government.
He disclosed that to date, Cross River is currently hosting over 50,000 refugees, mostly from neighbouring Cameroon, placing severe pressure on already limited state resources.
This was contained in a press release dated June 24 from the Government House Press unit.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission to Nigeria, Ms. Dimanche Sharon, at the State Executive Council Chamber in Calabar on Tuesday, Governor Otu described the situation as “increasingly unsustainable”.
“Migration may come with opportunities globally, but in our context, it is a heavy humanitarian and economic burden. Cross River has become a refuge for thousands fleeing conflict and we are struggling to keep up,” the governor said.
He appealed for enhanced international collaboration in refugee management, psychosocial support services, and improved cross-border coordination.
Governor Otu also highlighted the peaceful and organized nature of the state, describing it as an emerging economy with vast potential for investment, innovation, and global partnerships.
“Cross River is one of the most peaceful and socially organized states in Nigeria. We are eager to collaborate with partners like IOM to turn our challenges into opportunities,” he noted.
The governor welcomed IOM’s interest in partnering with the newly established Cross River State Diaspora Commission and expressed the state’s readiness to co-develop a comprehensive migration and refugee response programme, backed by data, technology, and sustainable financing models.
Responding, IOM Chief of Mission, Ms. Sharon, praised the governor for his leadership and hospitality, sharing her personal reflections on the warmth and promise she experienced upon arriving in Nigeria and, more recently, in Cross River.
“We need to retell the story of Nigeria and especially of places like Cross River,” she said adding, “What I have seen here is diversity, peace, and tremendous potential. The world needs to hear this version.”
Sharon reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to strengthening its presence and support in Cross River citing key areas for collaboration which include displacement tracking, human trafficking prevention, border management, and diaspora engagement to drive development through remittances and community investments.
“We are eager to work with your government to develop a flagship programme that reflects Cross River’s unique context,” she said. “With data-driven planning, private sector engagement, and diaspora inclusion, we can co-create a model others can learn from.”
The IOM currently operates in 25 states across Nigeria and has pledged to deepen its work in Cross River, given its strategic position and growing migration challenges.
