The Cross River State Government has approved Phase One of a state-wide Smart Surveillance Infrastructure Project aimed at strengthening public safety, entrenching smart governance and building climate-resilient communities.

The approval was given by the State Executive Council following a memorandum presented by the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke.

Dr. Duke said the initiative is anchored on the Cross River State Resilience Agenda 2026–2030 and aligns with global best practices for technology-driven cities.

“The current analogue surveillance methodology is obsolete, covering less than ten per cent of Calabar metropolis and providing no surveillance coverage across other major urban centres, including Akamkpa, Ugep, Ikom, Ogoja and Obudu,” he stated.

Following technical engagements with Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. in China, the project will be implemented through Huawei’s local partner, Dubass Synergy Multi-Services Limited. The scope covers design, supply, installation and commissioning of a modern surveillance network.

He said he first phase will target: major intersections and government precincts within Calabar Municipality vulnerable coastal communities and waterways, the Ikang Expressway and Carnival routes and other identified security flashpoints

Duke said all installations will be linked to a central Command Centre domiciled in the Office of the State Security Adviser for real-time coordination and intelligence.

He said the system will deploy Huawei AI-enabled smart cameras with capabilities including facial recognition and automatic licence plate recognition, violence, theft and fire detection, flood-level monitoring and illegal waste-dumping detection.

Duke said the infrastructure will also feature industrial solar-powered installations, wireless data transmission, and a unified video analytics dashboard to ensure uninterrupted operations.

“The deployment of Artificial Intelligence into governance will provide verifiable, real-time data for informed decision-making while significantly enhancing public safety, environmental monitoring and service delivery,” Duke said.

Beyond security, the Vice Chairman said the project will support flood early-warning systems, strengthen the state’s zero-waste agenda by detecting indiscriminate refuse dumping, improve traffic management, and cut emergency response times in Calabar from over 45 minutes to fewer than 12 minutes.

“This project is not merely about surveillance; it is about protecting lives, preserving critical infrastructure, promoting environmental sustainability and building resilient communities,” he emphasized.

The smart infrastructure is also expected to provide the security backbone for AFSNET 2026, which Cross River is set to host, and reinforce the state’s image as an investment and tourism destination.

Dr. Duke added that at least 120 local technicians will be engaged for civil works and equipment installation, creating direct jobs.

He reaffirmed Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to deploying 21st-century technology “to safeguard lives, strengthen environmental resilience, stimulate economic growth and build a smarter, safer and more prosperous Cross River.”