The Federal Government has strengthened emergency response capacity in Cross River State with the donation of a brand-new fire truck to the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) through the South South Development Commission (SSDC).
The Director-General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, received the vehicle in Calabar on Sunday, November 1, 2026, describing the intervention as a significant boost to the agency’s operational capacity and ability to respond to fire outbreaks and other emergencies.
Nyong expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SSDC, Miss Usoro Akpabio, for the donation, noting that access to essential emergency equipment was critical to effective disaster management and the protection of lives and property.
He said the intervention reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening emergency management institutions and supporting states in addressing disaster risks, particularly across the South-South region.
According to him, the new fire truck would enhance the agency’s operational readiness and improve its capacity to respond to emergencies across the state.
The CR-SEMA chief also commended Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for his commitment to the safety and welfare of Cross River residents, noting that the equipment would complement the state government’s efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response.
He assured that the fire truck would be deployed effectively to support emergency operations and urged sustained collaboration among government agencies and relevant stakeholders to minimise disaster risks and improve public safety.
Nyong expressed optimism that the donation would significantly strengthen the state’s emergency response infrastructure, particularly in tackling fire outbreaks and protecting lives, businesses and public assets, while assuring that the equipment would be deployed judiciously to serve the people of Cross River State.
By David Asu
