Cross River Gov’t rejects ‘False narratives’ on NDDC Projects Commissioning in Calabar

The Cross River State Government has firmly rejected “misleading reports” surrounding the recent commissioning of select projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Calabar, describing the narratives as inaccurate and politically motivated. On Friday, June 13, 2025, the Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, officially commissioned several NDDC projects in Cross River. […]

The Cross River State Government has firmly rejected “misleading reports” surrounding the recent commissioning of select projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Calabar, describing the narratives as inaccurate and politically motivated.

On Friday, June 13, 2025, the Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, officially commissioned several NDDC projects in Cross River.

In a statement, Nsa Gill, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said among the commissioned projects were a newly acquired office complex now serving as the NDDC Secretariat in the state, agricultural equipment, and a road project on Idang Street.

“The event was conducted peacefully and broadcast live on TVC, contrary to certain media reports suggesting controversy or disruption.

“The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Ankpo P. Edet.

“At no point was the event disrupted, either by the Governor or any other state official. Governor Otu, a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), remains committed to supporting federal initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and livelihoods across the state.

“Cross River, it is worth noting, was the first APC-governed state in the South-South region and continues to benefit significantly from federal government projects. These include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Special Agro-Processing Zones, and the Federal Housing Scheme, among others. The state government reiterated that no level of “sponsored blackmail” by fifth columnists would succeed in straining the existing cordial relationship between Cross River and the Federal Government, which share a common progressive ideology.”

Speaking on the matter, Hon. Pius Ankpo stated, “The Nyaghasang road was initiated and funded by the Cross River State Government. We have completed the drainage, concrete works, and channelization of the area, with construction still ongoing.”

He explained that the NDDC was never formally involved in the planning or execution of the project, and emphasized the importance of coordination when implementing infrastructure projects within the state.

According to Edet, the NDDC has been advised that, going forward, it must engage the State Government, review the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), and adhere to state construction standards before undertaking any project.

The Cross River State Government reiterated its openness to development partnerships but emphasized that all interventions must be transparent and coordinated for the greater good of the people.

“We are not in conflict with the NDDC or any federal agency,” clarified Hon. Ankpo Edet. “However, for the sake of public trust and historical accuracy, it is important to state unequivocally that the NDDC projects were commissioned peacefully, and without any form of disruption.”