Ukorebi Esien | August 29, 2026
CALABAR — Cross River State Commissioner for Environment, Barrister Bassey Offiong Mensah, has vowed to restore the state’s sanitary standards and reclaim its reputation as one of Nigeria’s clean and environmentally friendly states.
Mensah made the commitment while speaking with journalists shortly after the August edition of the statewide environmental sanitation exercise, stressing that the government would sustain efforts to improve environmental cleanliness across the state.
He said the ultimate objective of the ministry was to return Cross River to the level of cleanliness for which it was once renowned, but noted that achieving the goal would require greater commitment from residents.
The Commissioner expressed concern over the continued violation of the sanitation exercise, observing that some residents were still seen trading, playing football and engaging in other activities during the period when movement was restricted from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
He warned that the exercise would have limited impact if residents continued to disregard government directives, urging citizens to see environmental sanitation as a collective responsibility.
According to him, residents should develop the habit of cleaning their surroundings regularly instead of waiting for the monthly sanitation exercise or government enforcement before taking action.
“Cleanliness is next to godliness,” Mensah said, urging residents to become more environmentally conscious and take greater responsibility for the cleanliness of their communities.
The Commissioner, however, commended residents and traders in some parts of the state, particularly those around 8 Miles and Marian Market, for showing improved compliance during the exercise.
He also warned traders against displaying or selling goods on roadways, declaring that street trading would not be tolerated by the state government.
Mensah further raised concerns over the activities of traders operating beneath high-tension electricity lines, describing the practice as dangerous and urging those involved to relocate to safer locations.
To strengthen enforcement, he disclosed that the government was planning to establish mobile courts around markets to prosecute and sanction offenders who violate environmental regulations.
On waste evacuation, the Commissioner said the government was working with relevant waste management authorities to ensure that refuse gathered during sanitation exercises was properly evacuated from designated locations.
He added that the statewide sanitation exercise would continue, with the ministry making necessary adjustments to improve its effectiveness and compliance.
Mensah also called for stronger collaboration among environmental organisations and other stakeholders in the state, while commending the Ratel Movement for its continued environmental initiatives and demonstration of sportsmanship.
Some residents who spoke during separate interviews commended the Commissioner’s efforts and expressed optimism that his approach would bring renewed attention to environmental cleanliness across the state.
At the time of filing this report, some sanitation defaulters were already being prosecuted in accordance with relevant state laws.
The Commissioner reiterated that restoring Cross River’s environmental standards would not be the responsibility of government alone, but would require sustained cooperation from residents, traders, businesses, community leaders and other stakeholders.
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