I earlier wrote this report on how the government of Cross River State Nigeria was about to destroy one of the few remaining forest reserves in West Africa to enable it build a super highway from Cross River State to Benue. The Federal Ministry of Environment has ordered the State government to go back and obtain Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report that will be acceptable and meet global standards. This initial proposal was to cut through Ekuri forest which houses the remaining species of forest Elephants, Buffalos and Chimpanzees in West Africa as well as thousands of important plant species. Environment groups in Nigeria and some other groups outside the country rose and opposed the move.

The government said they did nothing wrong and in fact claimed that they have done the Environmental Impact Assessment which gave them the all clear but locals insisted that they weren?t consulted. The Nigerian Ministry of Environment headed by, Amina Mohammed, promised to look into the fears of many concerning the project after President Muhammadu Buhari flagged it off soon after assuming office. Many thought it will end the usual Nigerian way but the Ministry first stopped the project from progressing and now have delivered the big punch.

According to Independent Newspaper, the Minister, who was represented at the public presentation of the 13-man panel review meeting of the Environment Impact Assessment of 260km Calabar-Ikom-Katsina Ala Super highway project, by Mr. J. A. Alonge, said "The Ministry was not partnering with the Cross River State Government to do what they like, and any infrastructure project have to ensure environmental sustainability.

"Are the resources available and can this document (draft EIA) attract financial assistance from participating financial institutions? There is nowhere that the state government can go without the international institutions

The Ministry said the project "must undergo EIA and this will inform final decision on the project." The State government has agreed to consider some of the critical issues raised by the panel.

This will likely lead to a re-routing of the project which is what those concerned have clamoured for. To all that participated in standing against the proposal by the Cross River state government, this is part of our shared victories.

Nigeria is now enjoying the benefits of having a passionate and well-grounded individual in her Excellency, Amina Mohammed, as her Minister for Environment. We can only hope the best is yet to come.

Source: Independent Newspapers

Photo by: Independent Newspaper