Deputy Governor Reaffirms Support as NEMA, CR-SEMA Deepen Disaster Management Partnership

Deputy Governor Reaffirms Support as NEMA, CR-SEMA Deepen Disaster Management Partnership

By David Asu

The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and emergency response through sustained collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA).

The assurance was given on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, when the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, received a delegation from NEMA led by the Assistant Director of Operations, NEMA Headquarters Abuja, Mr. Labaran Ahman, during a courtesy visit at the Deputy Governor's Office in Calabar.

The delegation also included the Director General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), Mr. Efa Nyong, and the Assistant Chief Accountant and Acting head of operations NEMA Uyo Operations Office, Mr. Awoji Augustine.

Speaking during the meeting, Rt. Hon. Odey commended the existing partnership between NEMA and CR-SEMA, describing the collaboration as critical to safeguarding lives, protecting property and building resilient communities across Cross River State.

He noted that Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu's administration remains committed to supporting disaster management initiatives that place the welfare and safety of citizens at the forefront.

The Deputy Governor assured the delegation of the State Government's continued support towards the successful implementation of NEMA's programmes, particularly those aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and reducing the impact of natural disasters across the state.

He also appreciated NEMA for selecting Cross River State to host key emergency management activities, noting that such programmes would further enhance the capacity of emergency responders and improve flood preparedness across vulnerable communities.

Earlier, the Assistant Director of Operations, NEMA Headquarters, Mr. Labaran Ahman, explained that the Agency was in Cross River State on three strategic assignments aimed at enhancing disaster management and strengthening collaboration with the State Government.

He disclosed that NEMA had concluded damage and needs assessments in flood-affected communities across the Southern Senatorial District and had commenced similar assessments in Abi, Etung, Ikom and Obubra Local Government Areas to determine the extent of destruction and facilitate appropriate interventions.

Mr. Ahman further announced that NEMA, in collaboration with CR-SEMA and other critical stakeholders, would next week conduct a large-scale flood simulation exercise at Marina Beach, Calabar South, to evaluate the operational readiness of emergency responders, strengthen inter-agency coordination and improve community preparedness ahead of the peak of the 2026 flood season.

He also revealed that Cross River State will host the South-South Zonal Workshop on the Review of the National Policy on Relief and Rehabilitation, a regional gathering expected to bring together emergency management stakeholders to review existing policies, exchange best practices and strengthen Nigeria's disaster management framework.

The Director General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, appreciated the State Government for its unwavering support towards disaster management efforts and reaffirmed the Agency's commitment to working closely with NEMA and other partners to strengthen emergency preparedness, improve coordinated response mechanisms and promote disaster risk reduction across Cross River State.