The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South, during Tuesday’s plenary session in Abuja.

Moving the motion, Ekpenyong warned that erosion and landslides were threatening lives and property in several communities, particularly in Calabar. Areas identified as being at risk include Atakpa, Edim Otop, Ikot Effangha Mkpa, Nyaghasang, Ikot Anwatim, Nasarawa/Bacoco, Akai Effa, Bayside, Summit Hills and Anansa.

The senator referred to a landslide at Ikot Anwatim in July that reportedly killed five people, including four siblings from the same family. The incident also destroyed two houses and injured two other residents.

He further cited a separate landslide in Edim Otop that reportedly claimed the life of an eight-year-old girl, warning that more lives could be endangered without urgent intervention.

Ekpenyong attributed the worsening situation to several factors, including inadequate drainage systems, improper waste disposal, uncontrolled sand mining, removal of vegetation and damage to drainage infrastructure.

He urged the Federal Government to approve and release adequate funding from the Ecological Fund for emergency stabilisation and long-term erosion-control projects, with priority given to communities where deaths have occurred and residents remain at risk.

The senator also called on the Federal Ministry of Environment to work with the Cross River State Government and relevant agencies to assess vulnerable locations and begin urgent protective measures.

He urged the federal ministries responsible for environment and works to prioritise erosion-control projects in the state. He also stressed that major interventions should be guided by proper geological and water-flow assessments, sound engineering designs, effective supervision and environmental safeguards.

The Senate adopted the motion through a voice vote, with the majority of lawmakers supporting its prayers.

Following the decision, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency and affected local government councils to provide assistance to bereaved and displaced families.

The proposed support includes temporary shelter, food, medical care and psychosocial assistance. NEMA was also directed to facilitate the safe evacuation and temporary relocation of residents facing immediate danger, while strengthening early-warning arrangements and monitoring unstable locations.

Akpabio further mandated the Senate Committee on Environment to visit affected communities, examine existing interventions and engage relevant agencies on funding and implementation. The committee is expected to report its findings and recommendations to the Senate.

The Ecological Fund was established to help governments respond to serious environmental problems, including erosion, flooding and desertification. However, communities across Nigeria continue to face competing demands for environmental intervention as hazards threaten homes, infrastructure and livelihoods.

Cross River has experienced repeated landslides and flooding in 2026. Previous reporting has highlighted concerns about the scale of the damage, the implementation of erosion-control projects and the need for more effective prevention and long-term environmental planning.

The Senate’s resolution is intended to press for further federal intervention; the call itself does not confirm that additional funds have already been released.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia