Korede Abdullah 
CALABAR, Nigeria – The Cross River State Government has commenced a large-scale environmental sanitation exercise across Calabar, ordering traders occupying pedestrian walkways to relocate as part of efforts to restore order, improve public safety and enhance the city’s image.
Commissioner for Environment, Bassey Offiong Mensah, led the exercise on Friday, covering Atimbo Roundabout, Airport Field and several major locations where traders operating from kiosks, tables, Point-of-Sale (POS) stands, and makeshift structures were directed to move into designated markets.
Mensah said the exercise aligns with Governor Bassey Otu’s vision of transforming Cross River into Nigeria’s cleanest state and a leading tourism destination.
He noted that despite repeated warnings and public sensitisation campaigns, many traders continued to obstruct pedestrian walkways, forcing residents onto busy roads and exposing them to avoidable accidents.
According to him, the illegal structures also create serious mobility challenges for persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable road users.
“As part of this exercise, all tables, kiosks, POS signage and other outdoor displays obstructing pedestrian movement must be removed,” he said.
The enforcement team also dismantled illegal trading points and unauthorised open-air markets at Atimbo Roundabout, IBB/Edim Otop/CUDA Junction, Etta Agbor Roundabout and Rabana Junction.
Mensah warned that traders who returned to the cleared locations would face prosecution and have their goods confiscated.
At Marian Market, the commissioner, accompanied by Calabar Mayor Apostle James Anam, inspected the pedestrian bridge and Ediba Road corridor, reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance stance against trading on walkways.
Commercial tricycle (Keke) and mini-bus operators were also cautioned to maintain order within the market environment or risk removal.
The environmental operation further extended to government-reserved green areas around Margaret Ekpo International Airport Field and the open space behind the airport along IBB Way.
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