The Cross River State Government has refuted reports suggesting controversy during the commissioning of select projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Calabar, urging improved coordination between federal and state actors to avoid duplication and misinformation.

The state described as “politically motivated” the claims of disruption or misrepresentation at the event, which was held on Friday and presided over by Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh. Projects unveiled included an NDDC Secretariat, agricultural machinery and road infrastructure in the capital city.

Contrary to certain media narratives, state officials confirmed that the event was peaceful and proceeded without interruption. Governor Bassey Edet Otu, though absent, was represented by his Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Pius Ankpo Edet.

“We are not in conflict with the NDDC or any federal agency,” Edet said. “But public trust requires that we correct the record the event went on smoothly and the state remains fully aligned with federal development goals.”

A key source of confusion appears to stem from the Nyaghasang Community Road, which was initially listed for commissioning but postponed. The state clarified that the road is a Cross River government initiative and not an NDDC project.

According to Edet, “The NDDC was never part of the planning or execution of that road. While we welcome federal partnerships, such interventions must be coordinated through the proper channels, with respect for our engineering standards and planning protocols.”

Echoing this sentiment, community leaders and local officials supported the state’s position. The Secretary-General of the Nyaghasang Qua Clan Council, Iso Bassey Edim, and Mayor of Calabar Municipality, Apostle James Anam, both noted that the state had begun work on the road months before NDDC’s involvement, which included asphalt overlay on already prepared ground.

The state government emphasised that as the first All Progressives Congress-led administration in the South-South, Cross River continues to benefit from federal projects including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and agro-industrial programmes and will not allow “sponsored blackmail” to harm its relationship with the centre.

The governor’s spokesperson, Nsa Gill, reiterated the administration’s openness to collaboration, while urging transparency, coordination, and mutual respect among all development partners.