The Cross River State Government has sealed a bakery on Eyo Etta Street, Calabar, following allegations of environmental violations after wastewater from the facility was reportedly discharged into a neighbouring private property.
The enforcement action has brought renewed attention to the responsibility of businesses to manage their waste properly and the growing determination of the state government to prevent activities that threaten public health and peaceful coexistence among residents.
The Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Bassey Offiong Mensah, who led the enforcement team to the premises, described the discharge of wastewater into another person's property as unacceptable, insisting that business operators must comply with established environmental regulations.
Mensah disclosed that the matter was brought to his attention on Saturday, prompting him to visit the location to assess the situation firsthand. Following his observation, the ministry moved to seal the bakery as part of its enforcement measures.
He stressed that no business should be allowed to operate in a manner that creates environmental nuisance or imposes the consequences of poor waste management on neighbouring property owners.
According to the commissioner, the action reflects the state government's commitment to enforcing environmental laws, protecting public health and ensuring that residents enjoy a clean, safe and healthy environment.
However, the bakery's manager, Mr. Kingsley Emmanuel, offered a different account of the situation, claiming that an agreement existed between the landlords of the two properties.
The claim introduces a property related dimension to the dispute, although details of the alleged agreement and whether it authorised the wastewater discharge were not provided.
Responding to the development, Mensah maintained that businesses, particularly manufacturing facilities, must make adequate arrangements for wastewater disposal from the construction stage through their daily operations.
He emphasised that private agreements between property owners do not remove the obligation of business operators to comply with applicable environmental requirements.
The sealing of the bakery underscores the need for businesses to incorporate proper drainage and waste disposal systems into their operations rather than allow their activities to become a source of conflict or environmental concern.
The ministry reiterated its determination to ensure compliance with environmental standards across the state, signalling that businesses must take responsibility for the environmental impact of their operations.
The government’s action serves as a warning to other operators that commercial activities must be conducted within the bounds of environmental regulations and with due consideration for the rights, safety and wellbeing of neighbouring residents.
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