Health
FG moves to tackle C’River erosion, flood disasters
By Emem Julius
The Federal Government has pledged to coordinate a regional response to the devastating erosion and flooding affecting Cross River State and other parts of the South-South region, promising humanitarian support and long-term measures to mitigate future disasters.
The Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, gave the assurance on Tuesday during an assessment visit to erosion-ravaged communities and an internally displaced persons camp in Cross River State.
Akpabio, who led a delegation comprising executive directors and the state’s representative on the commission’s board, said the visit underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to standing with affected communities during humanitarian emergencies.
She said, “When lives are at risk, leadership must be present. We had to cut short all official engagements because this is about people, families and communities whose lives have been disrupted. Nothing is more important to us than responding to a humanitarian emergency.”
Expressing sympathy to victims, the SSDC boss noted that beyond damaged infrastructure, many families had lost loved ones, livelihoods and their sense of security.
“On behalf of the South South Development Commission, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to every affected family and community. We stand with you during this difficult time,” she added.
Akpabio disclosed that although the commission was still putting its institutional structures in place, it would prioritise disaster response and humanitarian interventions across the region.
She said the flooding and erosion witnessed in Cross River were not isolated incidents, noting that several South-South states were grappling with similar challenges.
“Following this visit, the commission will undertake similar assessments across affected states so that we can develop a coordinated regional response rather than isolated interventions,” she said.
The SSDC Managing Director attributed the increasing disasters to the effects of climate change and called for stronger environmental advocacy, improved urban planning and investment in climate-resilient infrastructure.
“Climate change is no longer a future conversation; it is a present reality. We must rebuild a culture of environmental responsibility because our habits are contributing to the hazards we are facing,” she stated.
She urged state governments in the region to review their environmental policies, strengthen urban planning and invest in infrastructure capable of withstanding changing weather patterns and rapid urban expansion.
Akpabio also commended Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, for engaging intervention agencies and stakeholders in response to the disaster.
She praised the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and other first responders for their commitment to supporting affected residents.
“The South South Development Commission will work closely with the Cross River State Government and relevant stakeholders across the region to support humanitarian relief efforts.
“This visit is not the end of our engagement; it is the beginning of partnerships. Together, we will ensure affected communities recover, rebuild and become more resilient,” she said.
The Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Efa Nyong, said the state government had intensified emergency response efforts by providing relief materials, temporary shelter and continuous support to displaced families while conducting detailed assessments of affected communities.
He commended the Federal Government and the South South Development Commission for the assessment visit, describing it as a timely intervention that would strengthen ongoing humanitarian efforts in the state.
Nyong said, “We appreciate the prompt response and concern shown by the Federal Government through the South South Development Commission.
“This visit has reassured affected communities that they have not been abandoned.
“We have continued to work with humanitarian organisations, local authorities and volunteers to ensure relief materials reach those most in need while documenting the extent of the damage for further intervention.
“We believe that beyond emergency relief, there is an urgent need for sustained investment in erosion control, flood mitigation infrastructure and climate adaptation measures.
“With stronger collaboration between the Federal Government, the state government and development partners, we can build safer and more resilient communities across Cross River State.”
He added that the agency would continue to monitor affected areas and coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that vulnerable residents received the necessary assistance as recovery efforts progressed.
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