The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to strengthen flood preparedness, disaster risk reduction and emergency response across the state ahead of the 2026 flood season.
The renewed collaboration is expected to bolster the state’s capacity to respond to flood emergencies through coordinated planning, improved operational readiness, disaster simulation exercises and enhanced inter-agency cooperation aimed at protecting lives and property.
Deputy Governor Peter Odey gave the assurance yesterday while receiving a delegation from NEMA, led by the Assistant Director of Operations, Abuja/Uyo Operations Office, Labaran Ahman, during a courtesy visit to his office in Calabar.
Odey commended NEMA for its sustained collaboration with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), describing disaster preparedness as a critical component of the government’s efforts to safeguard lives and property.
He said the administration of Governor Bassey Otu remains committed to building resilient communities through strategic partnerships with relevant agencies.
“Disaster preparedness is a vital component of our strategy to safeguard lives and property. The Governor Bassey Otu-led administration remains committed to building resilient communities through effective partnerships with relevant agencies,” Odey said.
He assured the agency of the state’s continued support for the successful implementation of its programmes and expressed appreciation to NEMA for selecting Cross River to host key emergency management activities.
According to him, the planned initiatives will strengthen the capacity of emergency responders and improve the state’s preparedness for flood-related disasters.
“We are ready to work closely with NEMA and other development partners to protect lives, preserve livelihoods and build more resilient communities across the state,” he added.
Speaking earlier, Ahman said the agency was in the state to brief the government on ongoing and upcoming activities, seek continued support and reinforce collaboration on disaster risk reduction.
He disclosed that NEMA had completed an assessment of flood-affected communities in Cross River South Senatorial District and would extend the exercise to Abi, Etung, Ikom and Obubra Local Government Areas to determine the extent of damage and identify appropriate intervention measures.
Ahman also announced that NEMA, in collaboration with CR-SEMA and other stakeholders, would next week conduct a flood disaster response simulation exercise at Marina Beach in Calabar South Local Government Area.
He said the exercise would test the operational readiness of emergency responders, strengthen inter-agency coordination and improve community preparedness ahead of the peak of the 2026 flood season.
The NEMA official further disclosed that Cross River would host the South-South Zonal Workshop on the Review of the National Policy on Relief and Rehabilitation, bringing together emergency management stakeholders from across the region to review existing policies, share best practices and strengthen Nigeria’s disaster management framework.