Rep. Bassey Seeks Urgent Federal, Global Intervention for Cross River Landslide
Hannah ARIKPO
The member representing Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey, has called for urgent intervention by the Federal Government and international development partners to tackle the devastating landslides and other climate-induced disasters ravaging Cross River State.
Bassey who doubles as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disaster Management and Preparedness,
described the recent landslide as one of the worst natural disasters recorded in the country, saying, the scale of destruction has overwhelmed the capacity of the state government, making external support imperative to avert further loss of lives and property.
Speaking on the disaster, the federal lawmaker said Cross River had long been identified as one of Nigeria’s most vulnerable states to intense rainfall and climate-related hazards through early warning forecasts, prompting his committee to initiate proactive measures before the onset of the rainy season.
He disclosed that, in his capacity as Chairman of the House Committee on Disaster Management and Preparedness, he formally alerted the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to the looming threat, leading to the deployment of officials to the state for disaster risk assessments, simulation exercises and public sensitisation campaigns in vulnerable communities.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu has been fully briefed on the situation, while the National Assembly has played its oversight role by drawing the attention of the executive to the urgent need for intervention.
Bassey commended Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu for what he described as a swift and proactive response to the disaster, noting that the governor personally inspected the affected communities despite the heavy rainfall and immediately directed emergency remedial measures to mitigate further damage.
He expressed grief over the loss of lives occasioned by the landslide, saying while those who died could never be replaced, every effort must now be directed toward preventing a recurrence through improved disaster preparedness and sustained investment in mitigation infrastructure.
The lawmaker observed that Cross River’s unique ecological characteristics, marked by heavy tropical rainfall and difficult terrain, make the state particularly susceptible to flooding and landslides. He noted that the ongoing reconstruction of the Calabar–Itu Highway with reinforced concrete pavement reflects the need for infrastructure capable of withstanding the state’s climatic realities.
He stressed that the magnitude of the current disaster goes far beyond what the state government can finance alone, calling for a coordinated response involving the Federal Government, relevant agencies and international development organisations.
“This disaster requires a national response. The state government cannot shoulder the burden alone. We need federal intervention and the support of international partners to effectively address the challenge and protect vulnerable communities,” he said.
Bassey further disclosed that efforts were already underway to attract additional federal support through the Ministry of Environment, with the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Hon. Mike Etaba, also engaging the ministry to complement the interventions being undertaken by the Cross River State Government.
He assured residents that the National Assembly would prioritise increased budgetary provisions for disaster preparedness, mitigation and emergency response during the next appropriation cycle to strengthen federal support for Cross River and other disaster-prone states.
The lawmaker also urged residents living in communities identified as high-risk zones to comply with government advisories and relocate to safer locations where necessary, emphasising that safeguarding lives must take precedence over every other consideration.
He commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for intensifying public awareness campaigns and community-based disaster preparedness programmes, noting that increased public education would significantly reduce casualties during emergencies.
Expressing optimism that ongoing preventive measures and stronger collaboration among all levels of government would improve the state’s resilience to future disasters, Bassey appealed for the timely release of federal intervention funds to support long-term remediation projects and reduce the financial burden on the Cross River State Government.
