The increasing frequency of landslides and other ecological disasters across Cross River State has become a matter of profound public concern. The recent landslide at Anansa, Calabar, is yet another painful reminder of the growing environmental challenges confronting our State. Sadly, this is not an isolated occurrence. Across many parts of Cross River State, communities continue to experience erosion, flooding, landslides, poor drainage, and other forms of environmental degradation that threaten lives, destroy homes and public infrastructure, and undermine sustainable development.
What makes this situation particularly disturbing is that Ecological Funds are disbursed every month through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to the Federal Government, State Governments, and Local Government Councils specifically to address ecological problems and mitigate environmental risks. These funds are intended to finance interventions such as erosion control, flood prevention, landslide mitigation, drainage improvement, watershed protection, environmental restoration, and other projects aimed at safeguarding lives, property, and the environment.
In spite of these monthly allocations, ecological disasters continue to occur with alarming regularity across Cross River State. This naturally raises important questions of public interest:
- How much Ecological Fund has Cross River State received in recent years?
- How much has each Local Government Council received?
- What ecological projects have been approved and executed with these funds?
- Where are these projects located?
- What measurable impact have these interventions had in reducing environmental risks?
These are not political questions. They are legitimate questions of public accountability that every responsible government should be willing to answer.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) imposes a clear obligation on government to protect the environment. Section 20 provides that the State shall protect and improve the environment and safeguard the water, air, land, forest, and wildlife of Nigeria. In addition, Section 24(f) recognises the civic responsibility of every citizen to protect and preserve the environment. Transparency and public participation are therefore indispensable components of effective environmental governance.
Furthermore, the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 empowers every citizen to request and obtain information relating to the management of public resources. Information concerning Ecological Fund allocations, project approvals, procurement processes, contract awards, implementation status, expenditure, monitoring reports, and project outcomes constitutes public information to which citizens are lawfully entitled.
The recent landslide at Anansa should therefore serve as more than just another tragic headline. It should prompt a comprehensive review of how Ecological Funds are planned, managed, utilised, monitored, and accounted for throughout Cross River State. Preventive measures—including effective drainage systems, erosion-control structures, slope stabilisation, afforestation and reforestation, strict enforcement of environmental planning regulations, proper environmental impact assessments, and continuous maintenance of public infrastructure—must become integral components of government policy rather than emergency responses after disasters occur.
The people of Cross River State deserve an environmental management system that is proactive rather than reactive. They deserve to know how public funds allocated for ecological intervention are being utilised. Transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public resources are not optional; they are fundamental principles of democratic governance.
As environmental challenges continue to escalate, I respectfully call upon the Cross River State Government and all Local Government Councils in the State to publish comprehensive records of Ecological Fund receipts, approved projects, expenditure, implementation status, and measurable outcomes. Such disclosures will not only strengthen public confidence but will also enable citizens, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, professional bodies, and development partners to work collaboratively with government in protecting our environment.
The environment belongs to all of us. Protecting it is a shared responsibility. Ensuring that public funds dedicated to that purpose are managed transparently and effectively is an obligation owed to every citizen and to future generations.
PRINCE ODEY OYAMA – is the Executive Director of Rainforest Resources and Development Centre; a Human Rights and Environmental Defender. He writes from the Tropical Rainforest Region of Cross River State of Nigeria.
