The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has expressed worry over recurring flooding in parts of Calabar, the state capital and the indiscriminate siting of gas outlets in the state.
At its April, 2026 congress, the union warning of potential flooding as the rains intensify, called on the state Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies to take proactive measures.
The measures according to the communique issued at the end of the congress, should include the desilting of drainage channels and rehabilitation of bad roads to ensure effective water flow and reduce flood flows during the rainy season.
On the indiscriminate siting of gas retail outlets within residential neighbourhoods across the state, the union, condemned it in its entirety, describing the trend as dangerous and capable of exposing residents to avoidable risks.
It stressed the need for proper urban planning and strict adherence to safety standards in line with regulatory provisions.
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The union further referenced a recent fire outbreak linked to a gas facility in the Edibe area of Calabar, which reportedly resulted in the hospitalisation of residents and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
It described the incident as unfortunate and preventable, underscoring the urgent need for stricter regulation of gas-related businesses.
The NUJ also considered the activities of scavengers and buyers of their materials, warning that their operations contribute significantly to stealing of metal objects in private homes, vandalism and the destruction of public infrastructure.
It called for full enforcement of the ban on such activities, as well as sustained monitoring and appropriate sanctions for offenders.
The NUJ, called on government agencies to clamp down on illegal and substandard gas outlets operating in the state and enforce full compliance with safety guidelines.
The union, also observed with concern the resurgence of commercial motorcycle operators within major streets of Calabar metropolis.
It noted that the increasing and largely unregulated operations of commercial motorcycle riders, pose serious threats to traffic order and public safety.
The union therefore urged relevant authorities to strictly enforce existing regulations governing their operations and ensure compliance with designated routes.
Deliberating on the persistent power outage in parts of Calabar metropolis and other major towns in the state, the union, said the situation has left residents in prolonged darkness.
It appealed to the state government to intervene by facilitating the provision of additional transformers to enable the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) restore stable electricity supply to the affected communities, noting that access to electricity is critical to economic and social well-being.
The congress called on the state government and relevant authorities to urgently address all the key issues affecting public safety, infrastructure, and governance in the state.
