Ukorebi Esien | June 5, 2026
CALABAR – The Cross River State Government has unveiled an ambitious climate resilience and urban sustainability framework aimed at addressing the growing challenges of climate change, flooding, environmental degradation, and rapid urbanization in the state capital.
The initiative, known as the Calabar Resilience Agenda, was announced on Thursday during the 2026 World Environment Day celebration held in Calabar.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Chairman of the Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke, said the state was committed to transforming Calabar into a climate-smart city capable of withstanding the environmental pressures associated with urban growth and changing weather patterns.
The World Environment Day celebration was held under the theme, "Urbanization and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future.
Addressing participants, Dr. Duke noted that while urbanization remains essential for economic growth and development, poor planning and climate-blind development practices pose significant threats to the environment and public infrastructure.
"Urbanization is not our enemy. Unplanned, climate-blind urbanization is our enemy," he declared.
He observed that Calabar has witnessed increasing cases of flash flooding, rising temperatures, blocked drainage systems, and the gradual loss of green spaces due to unchecked development.
According to him, the Calabar Resilience Agenda is designed to tackle these challenges through a combination of environmental restoration, sustainable infrastructure, clean transportation, waste management reforms, and community participation.
As part of the agenda, the state government announced the introduction of a "One Roof, One Tree" policy, which will require commercial and public buildings to incorporate tree planting initiatives. New building approvals will also include provisions for rainwater harvesting systems and solar energy pre-installation.
"We are not just building structures; we are building ecosystems," Dr. Duke said.
In the transportation sector, he disclosed that the state would introduce electric mass transit buses connecting Calabar to major corridors across the state by the first quarter of 2027. The initiative is expected to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and promote cleaner mobility options.
The government also plans to expand pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes as part of efforts to encourage environmentally friendly transportation alternatives.
Addressing the recurring issue of flooding in Calabar, Dr. Duke emphasized that blocked drains, rather than excessive rainfall, remain a major cause of urban flooding.
To address this challenge, he announced the establishment of a Cross River Green Corps that will engage 1,000 young people in urban drainage maintenance, recycling logistics, and mangrove restoration projects.
He further revealed plans to accelerate the restoration of mangrove forests along the state's coastline and introduce innovative adaptation measures such as floating gardens and green seawalls around the Marina Resort axis to protect vulnerable coastal communities from the effects of rising sea levels.
Dr. Duke called on residents to take ownership of environmental protection efforts, stressing that government alone cannot build a climate-resilient society.
"The resilience of Calabar depends on all of us. It depends on the market woman who refuses to dump waste into streams, the faith leaders who promote environmental stewardship, and the youths who demand accountability and participate in building a greener future," he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Director General of the Cross River State Climate Change Agency, Dr. Ijeoma Ekwueme, highlighted the need for climate-proof infrastructure and improved urban planning to address the realities of population growth and climate change.
She noted that the state government was prioritizing the integration of climate resilience into urban development policies, building codes, land-use planning, and energy systems.
According to her, ongoing efforts include promoting decentralized renewable energy solutions, strengthening community resilience, deploying smart city technologies for climate monitoring, and restoring green public spaces across Calabar.
The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi reiterated the state's commitment to environmental sustainability, revealing that government has intensified desilting operations across major drainage channels within the metropolis to reduce flooding and improve water flow.
He also disclosed plans to plant up to 500,000 trees across the state as part of a broader reforestation programme aimed at restoring forest cover and mitigating climate impacts.
Stakeholders at the event commended the state government's proactive environmental policies and urged citizens to support ongoing efforts toward creating cleaner, greener, and more resilient communities.
The celebration featured tree-planting activities, environmental awareness campaigns, exhibitions, stakeholder engagements, and discussions on sustainable urban development.
As Cross River marks this year's World Environment Day, the state government says its focus remains on building cities that are not only environmentally sustainable but capable of protecting present and future generations from the growing impacts of climate change.
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