Akwa Ibom State Stakeholders Resolve to Enhance Disaster Risk Management
By Ekemini Simon
Stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State have made key resolutions to improve disaster risk management in the State.
The resolutions were made at the end of a high-level stakeholders’ roundtable meeting organised by the Clement Isong Foundation with support from ActionAid Nigeria and held on August 19, 2025, at the Angelo Hotel, Uyo.
The meeting which reviewed and validated the Akwa Ibom State Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response Framework had representatives of development partners, Civil Society Organisations, private sector stakeholders, and the media to ensure the policy made from the meeting is inclusive, data-driven, and evidence-based.
In a Communique issued on the occasion, stakeholders said to forestall emergencies especially in the area of construction, policies guiding construction works should be enforced to ensure that drainage channels are not obstructed.
Stakeholders asked construction companies handling road projects to be tasked with ensuring proper discharge of high runoff to mitigate flooding disaster.
They said for every road to be constructed in the state, the ministry of environment should be involved to give technical advice as regards how floods should be channeled. They noted that Environmental Impact Assessment should be enforced for projects and any impact related activity.
The stakeholders asked for increased allocation of the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency -SEMA budget targeted towards youth innovation and a budget line for disaster risk management.
While asking for inter-sectoral collaboration for a multi-faceted approach to disaster risk management, the participants said youth and youth groups should be actively engaged in risk management techniques/technology.
Part of the resolutions in the Communique read ” There should be provision of mobility assistive emergency services by institutions carrying out emergency disaster management services to cater for Persons with Disability(PWD).
“The government should provide camps for displaced flood victims.
There is the need for the strict enforcement of environmental Laws to serve as deterrence for environmental law offenders.”
“Build resilience to our disaster management systems. AK-SEMA should strengthen its personnel.”
Earlier in a goodwill message by the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Rt Hon Nsikak Ekong, he commended the Clement Isong Foundation for putting youthful energy to the initiative that will transform response to risk, reduction, preparedness, emergency response and recovery.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Iquo Abia, the Commissioner said the response is innovative and ingenious hence would create a pathway for early warning on disaster management in the State.
While commending Clement Isong Foundation and other stakeholders for the inclusivity on gender, the fish folks and the vulnerable persons in the framework, he added “As Steward of the Environment, my Ministry recognizes the profound value of this Framework and its alignment with global goals, like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. I am in support of this initiative and shall amplify it to the best of my abilities.”