Cross River State Inaugurates Building Planning Taskforce to Curb Unapproved Constructions

Cross River Sets Up Taskforce to Promote Safe, Compliant Construction Practices

The Cross River State Government has inaugurated a Building Planning and Development Control Taskforce to strengthen enforcement of urban planning regulations, curb unapproved construction and enhance safety standards across both urban and rural areas of the state. The inauguration took place on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, underscoring the administration’s commitment to structured, sustainable development and urban renewal.

Taskforce Inauguration and Mandate

Governor Bassey Otu, represented by his Deputy Governor Peter Odey, commissioned the taskforce in Calabar, emphasising that its core mandate is to enforce compliance with approved building plans, prevent unauthorised structures, and uphold planning laws that protect lives and property. He charged the taskforce members to discharge their duties with professionalism, fairness and integrity, asserting that the initiative is critical to promoting sustainable development across Cross River State.

In his remarks, Governor Otu highlighted the importance of collaboration with relevant ministries, departments and agencies as well as with local government authorities to ensure effective enforcement and continuous public sensitisation. He urged residents and developers to adhere strictly to established building guidelines and planning requirements, aligning with the government’s broader urban renewal objectives.

Addressing Unplanned Growth and Building Risks

The establishment of the taskforce responds to a growing prevalence of indiscriminate and unplanned constructions, which the administration views as a threat to public safety and orderly urbanisation. Dr Bong Duke, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Cross River State Planning Commission, noted that members were carefully selected to provide expertise in monitoring and guiding building development in all parts of the state.

Taskforce Chairman Akiba Ekpenyong assured the state government that the team is ready to implement its mandate diligently, supporting the administration’s vision for a well-planned, safe, and sustainable Cross River State.

Policy Context and Governance Priorities

The launch of the Building Planning and Development Control Taskforce aligns with broader efforts by the Cross River State Government to enhance regulatory oversight in key sectors, including housing, land administration and urban planning. Recent legislative discussions have also focused on regulating house rents in Calabar and other areas, reflecting growing concerns over housing affordability and market fairness.

The taskforce’s enforcement role complements other state initiatives, such as digitising certificates of occupancy to streamline land documentation and improve investor confidence, and efforts to shut down illegal schools to ensure quality and safety in education.

Expected Impact and Forward Outlook

By systematically checking unapproved building activity and enforcing planning laws, the Cross River State Government aims to reduce structural hazards, environmental risks, and the long-term costs associated with unregulated development. The taskforce is expected to play a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and property while fostering an enabling environment for sustainable housing and infrastructure investments.

For policymakers and private sector stakeholders, this development signals a reinforced governance framework that prioritises regulatory compliance, urban orderliness and risk mitigation in the built environment.