Governor Bassey Otu has expressed concern over the recurring flood disasters in Cross River State, describing the situation as a growing ecological threat requiring urgent intervention from all levels of government.
Otu made the remarks while receiving Zubaida Umar and members of her delegation, including Joseph Bassey, during the 2026 National Flood Preparedness and Awareness Campaign.
The governor said flooding had become a persistent challenge for many communities in the state, noting that Cross River remains one of Nigeria’s high-risk flood zones.
“Flooding has continued to confront our state year after year, and it is already common knowledge that Cross River remains one of the high-risk states in the country,” Otu said.
He recalled engaging relevant authorities since 2019 on the need for proactive flood-control measures but lamented that the problem had continued unabated.
Otu also criticised the abandonment of several intervention projects intended to tackle flooding in the state.
According to him, investigations showed that drainage systems and flood-control channels designed to manage excess water were never completed.
“There was supposed to be a dam system and proper drainage channels that would collect and redirect water whenever releases occurred, but somehow those projects were not completed,” he stated.
The governor warned that the floods now pose broader environmental dangers beyond the destruction of homes, farms and livelihoods.
“What we are witnessing is no longer just seasonal flooding; it is gradually becoming an ecological problem with far-reaching implications for our environment and the survival of vulnerable communities,” he added.
He urged the Federal Government and relevant agencies to fast-track critical flood-control and ecological remediation projects across the state.
Earlier, Umar said the visit formed part of nationwide activities under the 2026 National Flood Preparedness and Awareness Campaign following flood predictions issued for several states.
She disclosed that Cross River had been identified as one of the states likely to experience severe flooding this year.
According to her, vulnerable local government areas include Abi, Akamkpa, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Etung, Ikom, Odukpani, Obubra and Obanliku.
“The purpose of our visit is to work closely with the state government and relevant stakeholders so that together we can reduce the impact of possible flooding on lives and livelihoods,” Umar said.
She explained that although flooding might not be completely prevented, proper preparedness and coordination could significantly reduce its impact.
Umar added that NEMA had engaged traditional rulers, religious leaders, road safety officials and community representatives to strengthen awareness and grassroots preparedness.
She also revealed that technical teams had been deployed to vulnerable communities for assessments and early-response coordination.
The NEMA chief stressed the importance of community-based disaster management structures and commended the Cross River State Government for its continued collaboration with the agency.