The Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, has called for a comprehensive 40- to 50-year master plan for Greater Calabar as stakeholders prepare for the Greater Calabar Summit 2026 scheduled for September 29 in Calabar.
Cobham made the call when the Director-General of the Greater Calabar Capital City Development Authority (GCCDA), Hon. Bassey Ekpo, led a delegation of the Authority on a courtesy visit to him in his temporary office at the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC), Calabar.
The Commissioner said the forthcoming summit provided an opportunity for government, professionals and other stakeholders to develop a long-term vision capable of guiding the sustainable expansion of Greater Calabar in response to population growth and emerging economic opportunities.
“We need a master plan that will look at Greater Calabar not just for the next five or 10 years, but for the next 40 to 50 years. We must begin to plan today for the city we want our children and grandchildren to inherit,” he said.
Cobham stressed that modern urban planning must go beyond allocating plots and constructing roads to include adequate drainage systems, recreational facilities, social amenities, housing, transportation networks and other infrastructure required for a functional and liveable city.
He noted that Cross River’s peace and security could attract major investors, particularly in housing and other sectors, but said investors would require clear and detailed long-term development plans before committing substantial resources.
“Investors want to know what the future holds. If we have a clear and detailed development plan backed by law, it gives investors the confidence to put their money here because they can see where the city is going,” Cobham said.
The Commissioner also advocated the enactment and enforcement of appropriate laws to protect approved layouts and prevent the indiscriminate conversion of residential areas into commercial centres, which he said was contributing to congestion in Calabar.
He commended the GCCDA for its initiative and assured the Authority of the Ministry’s support in strategic communication, public enlightenment and information dissemination, stressing that residents must be properly informed and carried along in government development projects.
Earlier, the GCCDA Director-General, Hon. Bassey Ekpo, sought the Ministry’s support in driving public awareness and stakeholder participation in the Greater Calabar development initiative, explaining that the Authority was established under Law No. 2 of 2016 to facilitate the planned development of the Greater Calabar corridor.
Ekpo said the corridor covers Bakassi, Akpabuyo, Calabar South, Calabar Municipal, Odukpani, Akamkpa and Biase Local Government Areas, adding that the initiative was designed to decongest Calabar metropolis through properly planned residential, commercial and industrial areas.
He said the Authority was also working to support the state government’s vision of providing housing opportunities for civil servants, low-income earners and other residents, while collaborating with relevant government institutions, professionals and security agencies to ensure effective planning, safety and sustainable development.
Ekpo disclosed that the Greater Calabar Summit 2026 would hold on September 29 at the Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, bringing together academics, consultants, experts and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to deliberate on strategies for the sustainable development and decongestion of Calabar.
By Daniel Nsa
