Nigerian Govt Plans Calabar Emergency Response Amid Erosion Crisis, Risks To Naval Base, NNPC Jetty | Sahara Reporters
The crisis has also raised concerns about potential threats to strategic national infrastructure, including the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory installation and an NNPC jetty linked to the country’s energy network.
The Nigerian Government says it has begun planning an intervention to address an ecological crisis in Calabar, Cross River State, after the failure of the Channel 2 underground drainage system along Anansa Road caused extensive environmental damage, disrupted economic activity and claimed lives.
The crisis has also raised concerns about potential threats to strategic national infrastructure, including the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory installation and an NNPC jetty linked to the country’s energy network.
The Ecological Project Office (EPO), working with the Cross River State Ministry of Environment, will lead the response. EPO Permanent Secretary Dr Aishetu Mohammed announced plans for a joint technical assessment while receiving a Cross River delegation led by Environment Commissioner Bassey Offiong Mensah in Abuja on Wednesday.
“The intervention will begin with a joint technical assessment to determine the causes of the crisis and identify sustainable remedial measures. We do not come into a state without partnership with the state and the people,” Mohammed said.
The assessment is expected to examine the causes of the drainage failure, waterway conditions and erosion patterns. The National Hydrographic Agency and other technical institutions are expected to take part. The EPO said it may also use advanced analytical tools, including artificial intelligence, to understand the ecological processes contributing to the crisis and help guide remedial work.
The Nigerian Government is also engaging naval authorities over the potential impact on NNS Victory and maritime operations along Nigeria’s eastern coastline.
Officials said the response would consider the effect on communities whose livelihoods have been disrupted, including fishermen, young people, traditional custodians and affected families.
“We do not take culture for granted. We listen to the people and tailor our interventions accordingly,” Mohammed said.
The EPO said the planned programme would combine infrastructure repairs with measures to restore livelihoods and support longer-term socio-economic recovery. A date for the joint site assessment is being finalised by the relevant agencies.
The government’s response is being framed as broader than a drainage repair, given the damage and reported loss of life, as well as concerns about nearby naval and energy infrastructure.