Senate asks FG to release ecological funds to tackle erosion, landslides in Cross River

The Senate has called for emergency funds to address the severe gully erosion and landslides plaguing Cross River South. Multiple deaths, destroyed homes, and the displacement of residents have prompted lawmakers to urge the Federal Government to release funds from the Ecological Fund. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong's motion highlighted the worsening environmental crisis in Calabar and neighboring communities, where recurring erosion and landslides have become a humanitarian and environmental emergency.

Affected locations include Atakpa, Edim Otop, Ikot Effangha Mkpa, Nyaghasang, Ikot Anwatim, Nasarawa/Bacoco, Akai Effa, Bayside, Summit Hills, and Anansa, which has experienced continuous landslide activity. A landslide at Ikot Anwatim in July 2026 claimed five lives, including four siblings and an adult, and destroyed two homes, injuring two others.

The Senate emphasized that the crisis, partly caused by the area's terrain, heavy rainfall, loose soils, high groundwater levels, and inadequate drainage systems, could lead to further deaths and displacement if urgent measures aren't taken. They warned that isolated interventions could instead shift the danger to neighboring communities.

Therefore, the Senate urged the Federal Government to allocate and release sufficient funds from the Ecological Fund for emergency stabilization and comprehensive erosion control. The Federal Ministry of Environment, the Cross River State Government, and relevant agencies were tasked with assessing the most dangerous sites and initiating emergency protective works.

The National Emergency Management Agency was also asked to collaborate with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency and local councils to provide temporary shelter, food, medical care, and psychosocial support to the affected families. The Senate emphasized the need for proper geotechnical and hydrological assessments, sound engineering designs, and environmental safeguards in major interventions, with its Committee on Environment to visit affected communities and report back with recommendations.