Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating climate change by prioritizing the restoration of the state’s mangroves.
Otu made the statement during a courtesy visit from officials of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, highlighting the state’s proactive role as the first in Nigeria to enact a Climate Change Law.
Emphasizing the need for collective action to tackle environmental challenges, Otu called for increased support for ongoing projects and greater investment in community-level training and awareness initiatives.
“Our mangroves have suffered, but we are working on sustainable solutions. This reflects our full support and commitment to climate action,” Otu said. “Our roadmap is robust, and our people are ready to collaborate for a greener economy.”
Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director-General and CEO of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, also spoke during the visit, commending Cross River’s leadership in climate governance. Maduekwe, who serves as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, described mangroves as Nigeria’s “low-hanging fruit” in climate mitigation, emphasizing their economic and environmental significance.
She noted that a stakeholder town hall meeting had recently been held in Calabar, the state capital, to establish a concrete roadmap for mangrove restoration and conservation.
“We are thrilled to see a state that has not only adopted the Climate Change Law but has also developed a solid framework for a green economy. While we continue to engage other states, Cross River stands out as a model in driving climate action,” Maduekwe said.
She also stressed the importance of a strong legal framework to ensure effective climate action, emphasizing that operationalizing a climate change fund would be key to attracting global financial support.
Dr. Edu Effiom, Director-General of the Cross River Council on Climate Change, reiterated the state’s ongoing efforts in mangrove restoration and carbon investment, noting that significant progress was being made.
