Akwa Ibom Moves To Tackle Disasters Head-On With New Emergency Response Framework

Stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations, Youth Networks, Community Representatives, Development Partners, and the Private Sector in Akwa Ibom State have officially adopted the Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response Framework as an inclusive and participatory guide for disaster preparedness, response, and resilience across the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

They emphasized that the framework provides a comprehensive and actionable strategy for disaster risk reduction, stressing the need for a proactive and coordinated system that enhances preparedness, recovery, and long-term resilience.

The adoption followed a Review and Validation Meeting held over the weekend in Uyo, where participants highlighted the urgent need to address Akwa Ibom’s vulnerability to multiple hazards such as flooding, coastal erosion, oil spills, fire outbreaks, building collapses, and communal conflicts. According to them, the framework will enable the state to transition from a reactive approach to a forward-looking and resilient disaster management model.

It was resolved that the validated draft will be submitted to the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council through the Ministry of Environment and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for formal approval and adoption as official state policy.

The communique issued after the meeting partly reads:
“We hereby adopt the Draft Akwa Ibom State Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response Framework as a participatory and inclusive instrument for guiding disaster preparedness, response, and resilience in the State. We acknowledge the leadership of young people and the active contributions of stakeholders in shaping this framework.”

Stakeholders also underscored the need for a centralized digital database on disaster risk management, given the state’s exposure to risks associated with its coastal geography, oil industry operations, and rapid urbanization.

They pledged to support the domestication, institutionalization, and implementation of the framework within their respective sectors. Notably, young people were recognized for initiating and leading the drafting process through a participatory and consultative approach, ensuring that the framework reflects the realities and aspirations of communities across Akwa Ibom.