CROSS RIVER ROLLS OUT AI-POWERED SURVEILLANCE TO TACKLE CRIME, FLOODS

The Cross River State Government has approved the first phase of a statewide smart surveillance project that will deploy artificial intelligence-powered cameras and monitoring systems to improve security, emergency response and climate resilience across the state.

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.

Speaking on the project, in a statement on Friday, Duke said the initiative forms part of the Cross River State Resilience Agenda (2026–2030) and is designed to modernise the state’s security infrastructure while addressing emerging environmental challenges.

He said the existing surveillance system was outdated and provided limited coverage.

“The current analogue surveillance methodology is obsolete, covering less than ten per cent of Calabar metropolis and providing no surveillance coverage across other major urban centres, including Akamkpa, Ugep, Ikom,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

According to him, the state developed the project after extensive technical engagements with Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., including meetings and inspections of the company’s facilities in China.

The project, which will 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.

“This deployment represents a comprehensive technology-driven response to contemporary security and urban management challenges,” Duke said.

He explained that the first phase would cover major intersections and government facilities within Calabar Municipality, vulnerable coastal communities and waterways, the Ikang Expressway, Carnival routes and other identified security flashpoints.

The installations will be connected to a central command centre at the Office of the State Security Adviser to enable 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 added.

Duke disclosed that the surveillance system would be powered by Huawei’s artificial intelligence-enabled smart cameras equipped with facial recognition technology, automatic number plate recognition, violence and theft detection, fire alerts, flood-level monitoring and illegal waste-dumping detection.

He added that the project would also feature industrial solar-powered installations, wireless data transmission infrastructure and a unified video analytics dashboard.

“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,” he said.

He noted that the technology would also support flood early-warning systems, improve traffic management, strengthen the state’s zero-waste campaign and reduce emergency response time.

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

He expressed confidence that emergency response time within Calabar would reduce from more than 45 minutes to fewer than 12 minutes.

The planning commission boss also said the project would strengthen security ahead of AFSNET 2026 and improve Cross River’s attractiveness to investors and tourists.

“The infrastructure will provide the confidence, safety and operational efficiency required to successfully host international events of this magnitude while strengthening Cross River’s profile as a preferred destination for tourism, commerce and investment,” he stated.

Duke added that the project would create jobs for at least 120 local technicians involved in civil works and equipment installation.

“This administration remains steadfast in deploying twenty-first-century technology to safeguard lives, strengthen environmental resilience, stimulate economic growth and build a smarter, safer and more prosperous Cross River for present and future generations,” he said.

The Cross River State Resilience Agenda (2026–2030) is the state’s strategic framework for improving disaster preparedness, climate adaptation and public infrastructure through technology-driven solutions.

The surveillance project forms part of broader efforts by the Bassey Otu administration to enhance public safety, strengthen emergency management and modernise governance using digital technologies.