The Cross River State Government has partnered with a non-governmental organization (NGO) to combat the growing menace of indiscriminate waste disposal into the marine ecosystem. Authorities have raised alarms over the severe health risks posed by marine litter, particularly plastic pollution, which is now considered one of the most pressing environmental threats to human survival.
During a high-level meeting with state officials, the Regional Project Coordinator of PROTEGO, Mr. Clem Ugorgi, identified Nsidung community in Calabar South LGA as a critical pollution hotspot in urgent need of intervention. He emphasized that PROTEGO, a three-year initiative implemented in Nigeria by the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, is actively working to address the crisis.
Ugorgi revealed that the project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Environment, Waste Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) under the Grant Programme for Marine Plastic Pollution. The initiative aims to significantly reduce marine waste, particularly plastic pollution, in both Nigeria and Ghana by introducing innovative strategies to prevent further environmental degradation.
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In response, Cross River’s Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, stressed the urgent need for behavioral change among residents. He assured that the government remains committed to providing sustainable waste management solutions, including the availability of dumpsters and regular waste evacuation to curb pollution.
The collaboration between the government and PROTEGO marks a significant step toward protecting Cross River’s marine ecosystem and safeguarding public health from the dangers of unchecked environmental pollution.
