By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has approved the procurement and deployment of the first phase of a state-wide Smart Surveillance Infrastructure Project aimed at strengthening public safety, promoting smart governance, and building climate-resilient communities.
The approval was granted by the State Executive Council following the consideration of a memorandum presented by the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke.
The initiative involves the procurement of advanced surveillance equipment and reflects the commitment of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration to leveraging technology to safeguard lives, protect public assets, improve urban management, and enhance environmental resilience.
Speaking on the project, Dr. Duke said it is anchored on the Cross River State Resilience Agenda (2026–2030) and aligns with global efforts to develop technology-driven cities capable of responding effectively to emerging security and environmental challenges.
He noted that the state’s existing analogue surveillance system is outdated, covering less than 10 per cent of Calabar metropolis and offering no surveillance coverage in other major urban centres such as Akamkpa, Ugep, Ikom, Ogoja and Obudu.
According to him, following extensive technical engagements with Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., including strategic meetings and inspections of the company’s facilities in China, the Planning Commission successfully integrated the state’s security and surveillance needs into a comprehensive technology solution.
The project, to be implemented through Huawei’s local partner, Dubass Synergy Multi-Services Limited, will involve the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a modern surveillance network across strategic locations in the state.
Dr. Duke explained that the first phase will cover major intersections and government facilities in Calabar Municipality, vulnerable coastal communities and waterways, the Ikang Expressway, Carnival routes, and other identified security flashpoints.
He said all installations will be linked to a central Command Centre located in the Office of the State Security Adviser, enabling seamless coordination, real-time monitoring and intelligence gathering.
“The infrastructure will provide uninterrupted monitoring of strategic assets, strengthen intelligence gathering and significantly improve coordinated emergency response across the state,” he said.
Dr. Duke disclosed that the surveillance system will be powered by Huawei’s Artificial Intelligence-enabled smart cameras with facial recognition, automatic licence plate recognition, violence and theft detection, fire alerts, flood-level monitoring and illegal waste-dumping detection.
He added that the infrastructure will also feature industrial solar-powered installations for uninterrupted operations, wireless data transmission systems and a unified video analytics dashboard.
According to him, the deployment of Artificial Intelligence will provide real-time, verifiable data for informed decision-making while improving public safety, environmental monitoring and public service delivery.
Beyond security, he said the project will support flood early-warning systems, detect indiscriminate waste disposal into drainage channels, improve traffic management, reduce crime and enhance emergency response capabilities.
Dr. Duke expressed optimism that emergency response times within Calabar would be reduced from over 45 minutes to less 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 said.
He further noted that the initiative comes as Cross River prepares to host AFSNET 2026, adding that the smart surveillance infrastructure will strengthen the state’s security architecture while reinforcing its reputation as a safe, technologically advanced and investment-friendly destination.
According to him, the project will also create employment opportunities for at least 120 local technicians who will participate in civil works and equipment installation.
Dr. Duke said the approval reflects Governor Otu’s commitment to deploying innovation and technology to drive sustainable development, strengthen environmental resilience, stimulate economic growth and build a smarter and safer Cross River State.
