By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on Governor Bassey Otu to urgently revive and strengthen the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) or introduce similar intervention programmes to address the growing threat of erosion and environmental degradation across the state.
The appeal was made during the union’s monthly Congress held on July 29, 2026, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar.
The Congress expressed deep concern over the increasing incidence of erosion, environmental degradation, and indiscriminate construction on environmentally fragile locations, particularly within Calabar metropolis.
Members noted that the continued development of structures on erosion-prone areas and natural drainage channels poses serious threats to lives, property, and the environment.
The Congress, presided over by the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, urged the Cross River State Government to strengthen enforcement of environmental protection and urban planning regulations to curb illegal developments on vulnerable and high-risk areas.
It also called for intensified public enlightenment campaigns on environmental conservation and protection, as well as immediate and proactive intervention to address active erosion sites before they deteriorate further.
The union further urged relevant government agencies to diligently discharge their statutory responsibilities in order to prevent avoidable environmental disasters.
Reiterating the need for the revitalisation of NEWMAP, the Congress maintained that the state government should urgently restore the programme or establish similar initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable communities from the devastating effects of erosion.
The Congress also condemned the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and waterways, describing the practice as a major cause of flooding and environmental degradation.
It called on relevant environmental authorities to intensify enforcement of sanitation laws while encouraging residents to adopt responsible waste disposal practices.