A Bill for a Bye-Law to Provide for the Establishment of an Emergency Response Centre in Odukpani Local Government Area to be known as the Local Emergency Management Agency (LEMA), and for Related Matters
Sponsored by:
Hon. Okokon Ekpenyong
Councillor Representing Ito/Idere/Ukwa Ward
8th Odukpani Legislative Assembly,
Odukpani LGA
Cross River State.
Co-sponsor by:
Hon. Ekeng Nsa Ewa
Councilor Representing Odukpani Central Ward
And
Hon. Effiong Emmanuel
Councilor Representing Odot Ward.
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS there exists at the federal level the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and at the state level, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA),
AND WHEREAS there is no corresponding emergency response infrastructure or legal framework at the local government level,
BE IT ENACTED by the Odukpani Legislative Assembly as follows:
PART I – PRELIMINARY
1. Short Title:
This Bye-Law may be cited as the Odukpani Local Government Emergency Response Centre Bye-Law, 2025.
2. Commencement:
This Bye-Law shall come into force on the date it is signed into law by the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area or upon being passed by two-thirds majority in the Legislative Assembly, where applicable.
3. Interpretation:
In this Bye-Law—
* “Council” means the Odukpani Local Government Council.
* “LEMA” means Local Emergency Management Agency established under this Bye-Law.
* “Disaster” includes flood, fire, building collapse, communal clash, disease outbreak, or any situation posing a serious threat to lives and property.
* “Chairman” means the Executive Chairman of Odukpani LGA.
* “Assembly” means the Odukpani Legislative Council.
PART II – ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONS OF THE LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (LEMA)
4. Establishment of LEMA
There is hereby established the Local Emergency Management Agency (LEMA) for Odukpani Local Government Area.
5. Objectives of LEMA
The objectives of the Agency shall be to:
a. Coordinate local emergency response efforts within the LGA.
b. Create awareness and preparedness plans for local communities.
c. Liaise with NEMA, SEMA, and security agencies.
d. Maintain a rapid response team equipped for disaster intervention.
e. Provide emergency relief to victims.
f. Keep an updated register of vulnerable areas and persons.
PART III – STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION
6. Composition of the Agency
The Agency shall comprise:
a. A Coordinator appointed by the Chairman with confirmation of the Legislative Council.
b. One representative each from the Departments of Health, Works, Environment, and Agriculture.
c. A representative of the Nigeria Police Force stationed in the LGA.
d. A representative of Traditional Rulers Council.
e. Two community-based organization (CBO) or NGO representatives.
7. Secretariat and Headquarters
The Agency shall operate from a designated Emergency Response Centre located in Odukpani headquarters or as may be determined by the Council.
PART IV – FUNDING AND RESOURCES
8. Funding Sources
Funding for the Agency shall come from:
a. Annual budgetary allocations by the Council.
b. Grants and donations from individuals, NGOs, and donor agencies.
c. Support from State or Federal Emergency Management Agencies.
9. Emergency Relief Fund
There shall be established an Emergency Relief Fund for disaster victims, to be managed by the Agency under Council oversight.
PART V – MISCELLANEOUS
10. Community Participation
The Agency shall carry out monthly community sensitization campaigns and organize training for local volunteers as part of a Local Emergency Volunteer Corps (LEVC).
11. Offences and Penalties
Any person who willfully obstructs rescue operations, misuses emergency supplies, or impersonates LEMA officials commits an offence and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding ₦50,000 or 3 months imprisonment or both.
12. Regulations
The Agency may make regulations, subject to the approval of the Council, for effective implementation of its mandate.
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
This Bye-Law seeks to establish a legally backed Local Emergency Management Agency (LEMA) in Odukpani LGA to fill the institutional gap between SEMA and grassroots emergency response, provide coordination during disasters, and empower local communities to respond proactively.
Passed by the Odukpani Legislative Assembly this ___ day of ________, 2025.
Signed:
Leader of the Legislative Council
Clerk of the House
Assented to this ___ day of ________, 2025.
Executive Chairman, Odukpani LGA
