The Cross River State Government has commended development partners for their interventions across communities in the state, while urging them to expand their investments, particularly in rural areas, to improve the living conditions of residents.
The Commissioner for International Donor Coordination, Elder Dr. Hippolatus Ogar Lukpata, made the call during the Ministry of International Donor Coordination’s October 2026 meeting at the NG-CARES office, No. 4 School Road, State Housing Estate, Calabar.
Lukpata praised the contributions of development partners but stressed the need for stronger coordination to prevent duplication of projects, promote mutual benefits and ensure accountability throughout the lifespan of interventions, including after partners have completed their programmes and exited the state.
He explained that the ministry was established to ensure that the government had a clear understanding of development projects being implemented across Cross River, their locations, investments and impact on beneficiaries.
“Whether the intervention comes through a loan or a grant, the government needs to know what has been invested in the state, where the projects are located and the benefits they are delivering to our people,” he said.
The commissioner assured development partners that the state government remained willing to listen to their concerns and address challenges that could hinder effective project implementation. He noted that Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration had provided an enabling environment, an institutional framework and financial support through budgetary provisions and releases to facilitate development activities.
“We appreciate the contributions of our development partners, and we want to encourage you to do more. The government is ready to work with you, understand your challenges and find solutions that will enable your interventions to achieve their intended results,” Lukpata stated.
He called for greater cooperation between the ministry and development partners to ensure that interventions aligned with the state’s development priorities, reached intended beneficiaries and delivered lasting benefits, particularly in rural communities where development needs remained significant.
Lukpata also highlighted the ministry’s website and Development Partners Journal as platforms for documenting and showcasing the contributions of development partners across different sectors. According to him, the platforms would help preserve records of completed and ongoing interventions, improve public awareness and provide useful information for future planning and evaluation.
He explained that proper documentation would ensure that the achievements of development partners remained accessible as institutional memory, helping the government and other stakeholders track progress, assess results and build on previous interventions.
The alternate chairman of the meeting, Mr. Etim Effiong Effangha of the Budget Transparency Accountability Network (B-TAN), urged participants to be open and constructive in their observations, presentations and discussions, stressing that the meeting should produce practical outcomes for the state.
“Let’s have tangible evidence to move the state forward,” Effangha said, calling for evidence-based contributions that would strengthen coordination and improve the effectiveness of development programmes.
The meeting featured progress reports from the State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU) and Evidence Action, as well as a presentation of B-TAN’s annual operational plan. The presentations provided an opportunity for participants to review activities, share updates and identify areas requiring improved coordination.
Those in attendance included the newly posted Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Lady Jacqueline Akpanke; representatives of 33 development partners’ platforms; and directors and heads of departments in the Ministry of International Donor Coordination. Discussions centred on improving collaboration, accountability and the overall impact of development interventions across Cross River State.
By Iloke Egbe
