By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Federal Government has launched an emergency response to a rapidly worsening erosion disaster in Calabar, Cross River State, amid fears that the environmental crisis could endanger key military and energy infrastructure vital to national security and economic stability.
At the centre of the concern are the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory and a Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) jetty, both of which are facing potential risks from extensive erosion triggered by the collapse of the Channel 2 underground drainage network along Anansa Road.
The intervention, being coordinated by the Ecological Project Office (EPO) in collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Environment, follows reports of widespread environmental degradation, destruction of infrastructure, disruption of livelihoods and loss of lives in affected communities.
Receiving a delegation from Cross River State led by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Bassey Offiong Mensah, the Permanent Secretary of the Ecological Project Office, Dr. Aishetu Mohammed, said the Federal Government would undertake a comprehensive technical assessment to establish the causes of the disaster and design lasting remedial measures.
“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,” she said.
The growing security implications of the erosion have also prompted consultations with naval authorities, as officials seek to prevent any adverse impact on maritime operations and strategic assets located within the affected area.
To ensure a holistic response, the National Hydrographic Agency and other technical institutions will participate in studies examining drainage failures, waterway behaviour and erosion trends. The EPO also indicated that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence-based analytical tools, could be deployed to support data-driven decision-making.
Beyond safeguarding critical infrastructure, the Federal Government said the intervention would address the needs of local communities whose economic activities have been severely affected.
“We do not take culture for granted. We listen to the people and tailor our interventions accordingly,” Dr. Mohammed stated.
According to the EPO, the planned response will combine engineering solutions with livelihood support programmes aimed at restoring economic activities and strengthening community resilience.
With preparations underway for a joint site inspection by relevant agencies, the Calabar erosion emergency has emerged as a matter of national importance, drawing attention not only for its environmental impact but also for the potential threat it poses to strategic military and energy assets.
