This study explored realistic means of achieving Social Studies education objectives at the basic education level for effective citizenship, sustainable national unity, security and development.  This is against the background of prevailing socio economic, religious and security challenges confronting the nation.  A descriptive survey design was used in the study.  The population and sample comprised teachers teaching Social Studies in basic education classes in the three education zones of Cross River State.  The multi-stage sampling method involving random, stratified and systematic techniques were adopted.  The schools were public secondary schools in the education zones both urban and rural.  The research instrument was a structured questionnaire developed by the researchers to illicit responses from respondents.  Two research hypotheses formulated in a null form guided the study.  Response frequencies, mean, standard deviation and chi-square statistical tools were used to analyse the hypotheses.  Findings and recommendations are articulated that could enhance the achievement of the envisaged objectives of Social Studies at the basic education level for the betterment of the Nigerian nation.  The main finding was that there is close relationship between the teaching of Social Studies objectives and effective citizenship and national development.  The main recommendation is that Professionally qualified Social Studies teachers be engaged in the teaching of the subject at the basic education level to achieve the envisaged educational goal of effective citizenship and national development.