By Godwin Ajom
The Government of Cross River State has announced its intention to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in illegal mining, unauthorized tax collection, and environmental violations.
The government stated that these activities undermine efforts to attract investors, endanger residents’ health, and tarnish the state’s reputation for cleanliness and environmental stewardship.
During a Cross River Movement (TCRM) civic engagement event on environmental and sanitation issues in Cross River State, hosted by Iso Bassey via Zoom, Commissioner for Environment Hon. Moses Osaji warned that offenders would be prosecuted according to state environmental laws.
Represented by the ministry’s consultant, Dr. Eyor Orok Edet, Osaji revealed that plans are in place to facilitate the trial of offenders in Ogoja, Ikom, and Calabar, encompassing all three senatorial districts of the state.
“The Ministry is a regulatory and supervisory body for all matters related to environmental management and control. We are also addressing abandoned quarry sites and illegal dredging activities under the Mines Environmental Compliance (MEC). Those dredging illegally along the shorelines will be summoned to explain their actions, as dredging involves removing sediments from the sea floor,” Osaji said.
“We are committed to making the state the cleanest in Nigeria and Africa. We are aware of individuals causing public disturbance through multiple tax demands, and measures are in place to arrest and prosecute them. This applies to all, whether they are government officials or not; any unauthorized tax collection is illegal.”
Associate Professor and Environmental Activist at the University of Cross River State, Dr. Hannah Etta, offered advice to the Ministry on addressing these issues. However, she noted that the state has not yet fully regained its clean and green status.
“Refuse dumps and pollution, particularly in Calabar South, remain problematic. I suggest deploying a task force to arrest those dumping waste in unauthorized locations, but only after placing proper receptacles in strategic spots. The air pollution from the flour mill is severe; deodorizers can be used to mitigate the offensive odor. Additionally, significant reforestation efforts are needed to build carbon credits,” Etta recommended.
