Urgent Need for a Special Workforce Committee on Flood Prevention, Control and Management in Cross River State
Sequel to the recent warning issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on the anticipated flooding in some states across the federation, including Cross River, it has become imperative for the Government of Cross River State to take swift and proactive measures to safeguard the lives and properties of its citizens. As a state with several riverine and low-lying communities, Cross River is particularly vulnerable to flooding, and the devastating impacts of past incidents remain fresh in the minds of affected residents. For instance, in the year 2024, it was reported that the state experienced a disastrous flooding “which impacted 15 Local Government Areas and affected 96,829 individuals in 17,669 households. The affected local government areas included Yala, Obudu and Boki. Yala, recorded the highest number of affected persons. Same year, 5,000 farmers in Urugbam community of Biase Local Government Area lost their livelihood to flooding.”
Given this looming threat, I strongly recommend the immediate establishment of a Special Workforce Committee on Flood Prevention, Control and Management. The formation of this committee is a necessary step towards building a coordinated and strategic response to flood risks within the state.
Among other responsibilities, the committee must prioritise the identification of flood-prone areas across all Local Government Areas of the state. This will involve detailed environmental mapping and community-level assessments to determine zones that are most likely at risk. With this information, the committee can develop tailored interventions for each location.
It is equally important for the committee to assess the potential risks associated with flooding in these areas, which include loss of lives, displacement of families, destruction of farmlands and public infrastructure, outbreak of waterborne diseases, and disruption of economic activities. These risks pose serious threats to the stability and development goals of the state, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.
To be effective, the committee must work in close collaboration with relevant agencies such as the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), health services, and local government authorities. One of its immediate goals should be to liaise with these bodies to develop and implement relocation plans for residents in high-risk areas, a necessary step that could save lives and avert tragedies.
In addition to preventive actions, the committee must initiate robust public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on flood preparedness and safety. These campaigns should inform people about early warning signals, evacuation procedures, emergency contacts, and precautionary steps to take during periods of heavy rainfall.
Cross River State, blessed with rich natural resources and vibrant communities, cannot afford to be caught unprepared. By setting up a Special Workforce Committee dedicated to Flood Prevention, Control, and Management, the government will be taking a significant and commendable step toward protecting its people and preserving the future of the state.
Anthony Ekpo Bassey, PhD is the executive editor of The BEAGLE NEWS
