By Sylvia Okoi
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Government has played host to participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47, 2025, from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) during their local study tour of the State.
Addressing the guests at the Ministry’s Headquarters, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, expressed his pleasure in hosting the delegation, emphasising the importance of their professional assignment.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Barr. (Mrs) Rosemary Onah, the Commissioner highlighted the significance of the blue economy for coastal States, particularly Cross River, due to its marine resources and informed them of modalities already put in place by the administration to fully harness the sector.
Responding, the team leader of NIPSS participants Brig. Gen. LA Jimoh thanked the Ministry for their warm reception and noted that the Institute, established in 1979, aims to train senior service directors to address national challenges, expressing their gratitude to Governor Sen. Bassey Edet Otu for his prompt response to their visit.
Brig. Gen. Jimoh acknowledged the Ministry of Environment as a key player in the blue economy and emphasised that the study tour complements classroom learning, enhancing research methods and recommendations.
In his presentation, Director of Ecology and Biodiversity, Mr Sonigitu Ekpe, led informative sessions on blue economy and sustainable development, showcasing Cross River State’s rich biodiversity and access to the Atlantic Ocean.
He noted that the State’s coastal location fosters diverse marine activities that can drive economic growth and food production.
Ekpe added that with appropriate policies and regulations, maritime infrastructure, operational efficiency, safety, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement, the untapped potential of the marine and blue economy could significantly contribute to both state and national GDP growth, outlining challenges, including governance interference and climate change, that hinder the realisation of these benefits.
Also speaking, the Director of Environmental Quality Control and Standard Enforcement, Mr Akpa Akpa, reiterated the Ministry’s vision to be a benchmark for environmental standards in Nigeria, promoting public health and socio-economic benefits toward a circular economy.
The diverse group of faculty participants includes members from academia, senior military and police officials, federal and state permanent secretaries, and legal professionals, reflecting the broad spectrum of leadership engaged in the course.
