Nigerian Senate demands Ecological Fund for Cross River erosion crisis

The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to urgently release funds from the Ecological Fund to address severe gully erosion and landslides in Cross River State. The request follows a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong regarding the ecological crisis affecting the Calabar metropolis and surrounding communities.

Senator Ekpenyong identified several impacted areas, including Atakpa, Edim Otop, Ikot Effangha Mkpa, Nyaghasang, Ikot Anwatim, Nasarawa/Bacoco, Akai Effa, Bayside, and Summit Hills. He noted that landslides in Ikot Anwatim and Edim Otop have resulted in fatalities, including an eight-year-old girl and four siblings from a single family, as well as the destruction of homes and displacement of residents.

The senator attributed the worsening environmental conditions to rapid urbanization, poorly designed drainage, blocked drains, indiscriminate waste disposal, unregulated sand mining, and the removal of vegetation. He warned that without coordinated watershed planning and comprehensive engineering solutions, isolated remedial projects might simply transfer erosion risks to neighboring areas. He further called for the mobilization of resources to provide food, medical support, and temporary shelter for those in imminent danger.