Akwa Ibom Youths Demand Shift from Flood Emergency Response to Disaster Prevention

Following devastating floods that exposed critical gaps in preparedness, a youth coalition in Akwa Ibom State has called on the government to transition from reactive disaster response to a robust, risk-based management framework. This appeal comes amid widespread concerns over the lack of effective flood-control measures, despite early warnings and substantial budget allocations.

As communities across Akwa Ibom State grapple with the aftermath of flooding that destroyed homes, businesses, and farmlands, a youth-led disaster management coalition is urging the state government to abandon its largely reactive approach. The group advocates for the immediate adoption of a comprehensive disaster risk management framework designed to mitigate future emergencies.

The coalition's demand arises from growing scrutiny of the state’s disaster readiness, particularly given early flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and significant funds budgeted for flood mitigation. In a statement, the Akwa Ibom State Youth-Led Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response Committee highlighted that the recent flooding demonstrates the limitations of relying solely on emergency response after a crisis occurs.

"The recurring nature of flooding in Akwa Ibom State demonstrates that disasters can no longer be managed solely through emergency response after they occur," the committee stated. "There is an urgent need to shift from a reactive approach to a proactive, risk-informed, and resilience-focused disaster management system."

The committee noted that factors such as climate change, rapid urbanization, inadequate drainage infrastructure, indiscriminate waste disposal, and development in flood-prone areas continue to heighten the vulnerability of communities statewide. They urged Governor Umo Eno’s administration to urgently operationalize the Akwa Ibom State Disaster Risk Management Framework, which was developed through a participatory process and submitted to the Office of the Deputy Governor in August 2025. This framework provides a roadmap for strengthening disaster governance, improving early warning systems, and integrating climate adaptation into development.

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The recurring nature of flooding in Akwa Ibom State demonstrates that disasters can no longer be managed solely through emergency response after they occur. There is an urgent need to shift from a reactive approach to a proactive, risk-informed, and resilience-focused disaster management system.