By Obot Anozeng
The Cross River State Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and Protection of Resources, Operations, and Technologies for Environmental Governance and Ecology (PROTEGE), has successfully validated the Cross River State Environmental Policy. The landmark workshop was held on May 20, 2025, at Hogis Hotel, Calabar, drawing broad participation from government, industry, academia, and local communities.
The validation workshop marked a significant moment in the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management. With a focus on promoting sustainable development, reducing environmental degradation, and fostering economic growth, the event aimed to refine and endorse a comprehensive environmental policy framework for the state.
Leading the delegation from the RMRDC Cross River State Coordinating Office, State Coordinator Mr. Obot Anozeng Eteng emphasized the Council’s strategic role in championing sustainable resource utilization. RMRDC advocated for responsible natural resource management to balance economic ambitions with environmental protection, a message that resonated strongly throughout the workshop.
Key themes included sustainable resource utilization, effective waste management, and continuous environmental research and development. Stakeholders emphasized balancing economic growth with environmental conservation and advocated for innovative approaches, such as viewing waste as a valuable resource for development.
The policy validation is expected to deliver a more robust, action-oriented framework for environmental governance in Cross River State. With inputs from environmental organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Cross River National Park, academic institutions like the University of Calabar and CRUTECH, private sector operators, and community leaders, the policy benefits from wide-ranging perspectives and expertise.
This collaborative effort is poised to strengthen Cross River’s environmental resilience, laying the foundation for a greener, more sustainable future.







