Cross River Ranked Nigeria’s Most Open State in 2024 Openness Index
Oru Leonard
Cross River State has been ranked as the most open state in Nigeria in the 2024 Openness Index released by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).
The report, unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, commended Cross River for fostering a tolerant political culture, encouraging access to government information, and ensuring minimal interference with the work of journalists. Respondents praised the state government’s proactive disclosure of information and constructive engagement with civil society.
According to the report, media professionals in the state experienced very little harassment, while civil society groups noted that their interactions with public officials were productive and respectful. Data from the Press Attack Tracker (PAT) also showed only minor incidents, reinforcing Cross River’s reputation as a safe and enabling environment for freedom of expression and civic activity.
Although no state achieved a perfect score, Cross River stood out as a model for openness despite the national challenges faced across the country. The state scored 70.40% overall in the Index, leading in several key diagnostic areas including legal (68.86%), political (70.16%), economic (54.41%), social and cultural (69.35%), journalistic principles (73.48%), gender (79.92%), and violent treatment of journalists (74.91%).
This recognition highlights the impact of the “People First” agenda of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu, whose administration has prioritised transparency, inclusion, and good governance in what he calls the Season of Sweetness.
(CROSSJOF Media/)
