The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has called for stronger collaboration with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) to enhance disaster preparedness and humanitarian response mechanisms in the state.
The call came during a courtesy visit by a UNFPA delegation to CR-SEMA headquarters in Calabar on May 26, 2026. The delegation was led by the Programme Coordinator and Head of Office, Calabar, Dr. Andrew Kirima, alongside the Gender Specialist and Humanitarian Focal Point, Jacque Karungi.
Discussions focused on cooperation in disaster risk reduction, emergency response planning, and humanitarian coordination, given the state’s growing vulnerability to environmental and climate-related hazards.
Speaking during the engagement, the Director General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Antigha Edem Gill, highlighted recurring disaster challenges in Cross River State, particularly flooding and other environmental risks. He noted that the agency has intensified public sensitization and community awareness campaigns aimed at improving preparedness and reducing disaster impact.
Mr. Edem Gill also disclosed that Local Emergency Management Committees have been established across all 18 Local Government Areas to strengthen grassroots response capacity. He further referenced ongoing efforts to improve the agency’s operational readiness, including the rehabilitation of key facilities previously affected during the EndSARS crisis.
On partnership, the CR-SEMA boss stressed the importance of collaborating with development partners to strengthen emergency planning and response systems, particularly in joint assessments and humanitarian interventions for vulnerable communities.
In his remarks, Dr. Andrew Kirima said UNFPA is willing to deepen engagement with CR-SEMA through technical support, capacity building, and advisory input in emergency preparedness frameworks. He noted that effective disaster response requires strong planning systems and coordinated partnerships among relevant stakeholders.
Dr. Kirima also expressed interest in reviewing CR-SEMA’s emergency response framework, adding that early access to operational plans and structured engagement would improve collaboration. He further indicated that UNFPA could support training initiatives and provide technical expertise in selected areas of humanitarian response and coordination.
Responding, Mr. Edem Gill welcomed the proposed partnership, noting that CR-SEMA continues to strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders while building its operational capacity. He added that the agency remains open to technical input that would enhance its emergency preparedness systems and response effectiveness.
The Director General also encouraged sustained engagement, inviting UNFPA to participate in quarterly stakeholders’ meetings to improve disaster management outcomes in the state.
Also speaking, the Director of Disaster Risk Reduction at CR-SEMA, Pastor Bright Usang, emphasized the importance of sustained institutional collaboration in strengthening early warning systems and community resilience.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to partnership in advancing disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and humanitarian coordination in Cross River State.
By David Asu
