Flooding Escalating into Ecological Crisis in Cross River, Gov. Otu Warns as NEMA Flags High-Risk LGAs
Korede Abdullah 
Governor Bassey Otu
LAGOS, Nigeria – Governor Bassey Otu on Thursday raised concerns over recurring flood disasters affecting communities across Cross River State, warning that the situation is rapidly evolving into a broader ecological crisis requiring urgent national intervention.
Speaking while receiving the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, and members of her delegation, the governor described flooding as a persistent threat that has continued to devastate vulnerable communities across the state.
“Flooding has continued to confront our state year after year, and it is already common knowledge that Cross River remains one of the high-risk states in the country,” Otu said.
The governor lamented that despite years of engagement with relevant authorities since 2019, several intervention projects initiated to address the challenge were either abandoned or left uncompleted.
According to him, critical infrastructure such as drainage systems, dams and flood channels meant to manage excess water flow were never fully delivered, worsening the impact on affected communities.
“There was supposed to be a dam system and proper drainage channels that would collect and redirect water whenever releases occurred, but somehow those projects were not completed,” he said.
“The consequence is that communities directly along these flood corridors continue to suffer repeated destruction of homes, farmlands and livelihoods.”
Otu warned that the situation has now gone beyond seasonal flooding and poses a significant environmental and humanitarian risk.
“What we are witnessing is no longer just seasonal flooding; it is gradually becoming an ecological problem with far-reaching implications for our environment and the survival of vulnerable communities,” the governor added.
Earlier, Umar said the visit formed part of the 2026 National Flood Preparedness and Awareness Campaign following forecasts identifying Cross River among states likely to experience severe flooding this year.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 