As climate change and rapid urbanisation continue to increase the risk of flooding and environmental degradation, the Cross River State Government has unveiled a comprehensive resilience agenda aimed at safeguarding communities, protecting critical ecosystems and promoting sustainable development.
Governor Bassey Otu, represented by the Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission, Bong Duke, announced the measures at the 2026 World Environment Day celebration in Calabar, declaring that environmental sustainability must now become a central pillar of the state’s development strategy.
The event brought together government officials, environmental experts, development partners and students, to examine practical solutions to the growing environmental challenges confronting urban centres.
Representing Governor Bassey Otu at the event, the Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission, Bong Duke, said Cross River’s environmental vision extends beyond preserving its reputation as Nigeria’s greenest state, to implementing policies capable of addressing flooding, pollution and the wider impacts of climate change.
He said the government is prioritising the restoration of degraded mangrove forests, reforestation programmes, and the continuous desilting of drainage channels, as part of efforts to improve water flow and reduce the threat of flooding in vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Environment, Moses Osogi, announced that January 1, 2027 has been fixed for the restriction and gradual phase-out of Styrofoam products across the state.
Stakeholders say while government interventions remain critical, the long-term success of efforts to combat flooding and build climate-resilient communities, will ultimately depend on a shared commitment by both authorities and citizens to protect the environment.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
