Nigeria to assess ecological crisis threatening Calabar naval and energy assets

The Nigerian Federal Government has ordered an urgent joint technical assessment to address an ecological crisis in Calabar, Cross River State. The emergency follows the failure of the Channel 2 underground drainage system along Anansa Road, which has caused environmental destruction, infrastructure damage, economic disruption, and loss of life.

The crisis poses significant national security and economic risks, as it threatens strategic assets including the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory installation and a Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) jetty. The potential impact on maritime operations along the country’s eastern flank has prompted direct engagement with naval authorities.

Led by the Ecological Project Office (EPO) in collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Environment, the intervention will involve the National Hydrographic Agency and other technical institutions. The assessment will focus on waterway dynamics, drainage failure, and erosion patterns. Officials indicated that advanced analytical tools, including artificial intelligence, may be used to guide sustainable remedial measures.