The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an urgent intervention to address an ecological emergency in Calabar, Cross River State. The crisis was triggered by the failure of the Channel 2 underground drainage system along Anansa Road, causing extensive environmental destruction, infrastructure damage, and disruption of economic activities. The situation poses wider national security and economic concerns, prompting the government to take swift action.
The intervention is being spearheaded by the Ecological Project Office (EPO) in collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Environment. The EPO Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aishetu Mohammed, led a meeting with a Cross River State delegation, including the Commissioner for Environment, Bassey Offiong Mensah. Dr. Mohammed emphasized that the intervention would begin with a joint technical assessment to determine the causes of the crisis and identify sustainable remedial measures.
The crisis has significant implications for national security, particularly given the proximity of the affected area to key strategic national assets. The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory installation and an Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) jetty supporting the nation’s energy infrastructure are under threat. The government has engaged with Naval authorities and plans to involve the National Hydrographic Agency and other technical institutions in the assessment of waterway dynamics, drainage failure, and erosion patterns.
Advanced analytical tools, including artificial intelligence, may be deployed to better understand the ecological processes driving the crisis and guide the intervention. The government aims to combine infrastructural remediation with measures aimed at restoring livelihoods and supporting long-term socio-economic recovery. The exercise will take account of the livelihoods of affected communities, particularly fishermen, youths, traditional custodians, and families whose economic activities have been disrupted.
The Federal Government’s response is expected to culminate in a joint site assessment, the date of which is being finalised by the relevant agencies. The Calabar crisis has assumed significance beyond a failed drainage system, with the safety of a naval installation protecting Nigeria’s eastern maritime interests and an NNPC facility linked to the country’s energy infrastructure now forming a central part of the government’s emergency response.
Dr. Aishetu Mohammed emphasized that the government does not take culture for granted and listens to the people, tailoring interventions accordingly. The EPO said it would work in partnership with the state and the people to address the ecological emergency. The intervention aims to mitigate the immediate effects of the crisis and provide long-term solutions to prevent similar emergencies in the future.
The meeting with the Cross River State delegation included Rosemary Ogon-Onah, Esq., Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Ministry of Environment, and Bassey Offiong Mensah, Esq., Commissioner for Environment. The Federal Government’s proactive approach to addressing the ecological emergency in Calabar demonstrates its commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and supporting affected communities.
Key points
- The Federal Government has launched an urgent intervention to address an ecological emergency in Calabar, Cross River State.
- The crisis poses significant threats to key strategic national assets, including the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory installation and an NNPC jetty.
- The government aims to combine infrastructural remediation with measures aimed at restoring livelihoods and supporting long-term socio-economic recovery.
