Governor Bassey Otu has unveiled the Cross River State Government’s “Calabar Resilience Agenda 2026,” a climate adaptation and sustainability roadmap aimed at tackling urban flooding, promoting clean transportation, restoring ecosystems and strengthening environmental resilience.

The initiative was launched during the 2026 World Environment Day celebration in Calabar, where the governor announced a series of measures designed to prepare the state for the challenges of climate change and rapid urbanisation.

Represented by the Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission, Bong Duke, Otu said Cross River must embrace sustainable urban development to address increasing environmental challenges associated with population growth and economic expansion.

He noted that unplanned urbanisation had contributed to flooding, environmental degradation and rising temperatures, stressing that the state must move beyond its reputation as Nigeria’s greenest state to become a model of climate resilience.

The governor directed that all new building plans submitted to relevant government agencies must incorporate rainwater harvesting systems and solar-energy pre-installation facilities as part of efforts to promote sustainable infrastructure.

Otu also disclosed plans to deploy the state’s first fleet of electric mass transit buses along the Calabar-Akamkpa corridor and up to the state boundary by the first quarter of 2027, adding that some of the buses had already arrived in Calabar.

He further announced plans to expand pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and establish a Green Corps that would train and engage 1,000 youths in drainage maintenance, recycling logistics, mangrove restoration and coastal protection activities.

The governor said the state would also accelerate mangrove restoration projects and construct floating gardens and green seawalls around the Marina Resort axis to mitigate the impact of climate change and coastal erosion.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Environment Moses Osogi announced that January 1, 2027, had been fixed as the commencement date for restrictions and the gradual phase-out of Styrofoam products across the state.

Osogi said Styrofoam remained a major contributor to environmental pollution because of its non-biodegradable nature, noting that it blocks drainage channels, worsens flooding, pollutes water bodies and threatens aquatic life.

He added that the policy followed extensive stakeholder consultations and public engagement.

Delivering a keynote address, Prof. Eyo Edet of the University of Calabar warned that increasing flooding, deforestation and illegal mining activities were placing significant pressure on local ecosystems.

He cited recurring flooding along sections of the Murtala Muhammed Highway as evidence of the growing environmental challenges facing the state.

The celebration featured environmental awareness campaigns, youth-focused sustainability programmes and awards for institutions that demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship, with the University of Calabar emerging overall winner in the tertiary institution category.