New Building Rules, Electric Buses, Green Corps Top Otu’s Climate Reform Agenda

CALABAR, CROSS RIVER – Governor Bassey Edet Otu, has unveiled a sweeping package of climate and urban development reforms that will introduce mandatory green building standards, deploy electric mass transit buses, and create 1,000 jobs through a newly established Green Corps as part of efforts to build a more resilient Cross River State.

The governor announced the measures on Friday while launching the “Calabar Resilience Agenda 2026” during the World Environment Day celebration held at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar

.
Represented by the Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission, Bong Duke, Otu said the state was repositioning itself to address the growing threats posed by climate change, urban flooding and environmental degradation through practical and sustainable development initiatives.

“Cross River State is known as Nigeria’s greenest state. We have protected our rainforests, but we must now protect our cities. We must transition from being merely green to being truly resilient,” the governor said.

In one of the most far-reaching policy announcements, Otu directed that all new building plans submitted to relevant government agencies, including the Ministries of Lands and Housing, must incorporate rainwater harvesting systems and solar pre-installation facilities.

The governor said the policy would promote sustainable infrastructure development and prepare the state for future climate-related challenges.

He also disclosed that the state, in partnership with private sector investors, would deploy its first fleet of electric mass transit buses along the Calabar-Akamkpa corridor extending to the state boundary by the first quarter of 2027.

According to him, some of the buses have already arrived in Calabar, signalling the government’s commitment to cleaner transportation and reduced carbon emissions.

The governor further announced plans to expand non-motorised transportation infrastructure across the state to encourage walking and cycling as environmentally friendly alternatives while improving urban mobility.

As part of efforts to tackle unemployment and environmental challenges simultaneously, Otu announced the establishment of the Cross River State Green Corps, which is expected to train and employ 1,000 young people.

The beneficiaries, he said, would be engaged in drainage maintenance, recycling logistics, mangrove restoration and coastal protection activities.

The governor also unveiled plans to accelerate mangrove restoration programmes and construct innovative floating gardens and green seawalls around the Marina Resort axis as part of climate adaptation measures aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment, Obol Moses Osogi, announced that January 1, 2027, had been fixed for the commencement of the restriction and gradual phase-out of Styrofoam products in the state.

Osogi said the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders and environmental experts.

He explained that Styrofoam remained one of the major contributors to environmental pollution because of its non-biodegradable nature.

According to him, the material blocks drainage channels, contributes to urban flooding, pollutes water bodies, threatens aquatic life and eventually breaks down into harmful microplastics.

“The restriction and gradual phase-out of Styrofoam products is intended to protect public health, preserve our environment and encourage the adoption of sustainable alternatives,” he said.

Delivering a keynote address, Prof. Eyo Edet of the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Calabar, warned that rising incidents of flooding, deforestation and illegal mining were placing increasing pressure on local ecosystems.

He cited recurring flooding along sections of the Murtala Muhammed Highway as evidence of the environmental challenges confronting the state and called for greater public participation in climate action and environmental sanitation programmes.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba, commended the Ministry of Environment for its interventions and urged residents to support government efforts aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.

The event featured environmental awareness campaigns, youth-focused sustainability programmes and the recognition of schools and institutions that have demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship.

Truth Live News reports that World Environment Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness and encourage action on environmental protection and sustainable development.