NUJ Raises Concerns Over Environmental Threats, Urges Urgent Action
By Missang Akpet
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Cross River State Council, has called on the state government to urgently address the growing threat of erosion, environmental degradation and poor waste management across the state.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the council's July 2026 Congress held on Wednesday at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar. The congress was presided over by the State Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey.
The union expressed concern over the increasing cases of erosion, environmental degradation and indiscriminate construction on fragile areas and drainage channels, particularly in Calabar.
It urged the government to strengthen the enforcement of environmental and urban planning laws, halt illegal developments in high risk areas and implement proactive measures to tackle active erosion sites.
The communiqué also condemned the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains and waterways, describing it as a major cause of flooding in the Calabar metropolis. It called on relevant agencies to intensify the enforcement of environmental sanitation laws.
To address the erosion crisis, the union urged the government to revive and strengthen the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Programme, NEWMAP, or introduce a similar intervention programme to protect vulnerable communities.
The council commended its leadership for supporting members facing health challenges and appealed to the government, corporate organisations and well meaning individuals to assist an ailing member.
The union also reiterated the need for journalists to uphold responsible, factual and public interest journalism while reaffirming its commitment to press freedom, professional excellence, accountability and good governance in Cross River State.
