By Cletus Asuquo
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has raised serious concerns over the proliferation of unregulated gas retail outlets across the state.
They warned that their indiscriminate siting in residential areas poses a significant threat to public safety.
The warning was issued at the end of the council’s April 2026 Congress held yesterday at the NUJ state secretariat, Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre Calabar.
The Congress was chaired by Archibong Bassey, the state NUJ Chairman.
The journalists expressed alarm over the recent fire outbreak in Edibe, Calabar, linked to a gas facility, which reportedly led to the hospitalization of residents and property loss worth millions of naira. Describing the incident as “unfortunate and preventable,” the NUJ urged government authorities to enforce stricter regulations on gas operations.
“The siting of gas outlets within residential neighbourhoods exposes residents to avoidable risks. There is an urgent need for proper urban planning and full compliance with safety guidelines,” the communiqué stated.
Beyond gas safety, the Congress also decried other pressing issues affecting Cross River residents, including the resurgence of commercial motorcycles popularly called Okada which it described as unregulated and a threat to traffic order and public safety.
Other concerns highlighted by the journalists include persistent power outages in Calabar and other towns, recurring flooding due to blocked drainages, and vandalism linked to scavengers stealing metal objects from private and public properties.
The Congress urged relevant government agencies to take proactive measures to restore power supply, desilt drainage channels, rehabilitate roads, and enforce bans on illegal scavenging activities.
The NUJ Congress reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with the government and stakeholders, aimed at promoting good governance, public safety, and sustainable development in Cross River State.
