Communities in and around Ikom, located in Cross River State, Nigeria, have experienced several fire outbreaks over the past decades. Limited access to firefighting resources has often made it difficult to respond quickly, leaving residents, businesses, and market traders vulnerable to significant losses. 

Ikom Central Market, a key hub for local trade and livelihoods, has been particularly affected by recurring fires. In many cases, community members have relied on informal efforts to contain fires while waiting for assistance from authorities. 

Recognising the need to strengthen local emergency response capacity, Tulip Cocoa Processing (TCP), part of ECOM Cocoa, has donated a firefighting truck to support the Nigerian Fire Service in Cross River State. The vehicle will help improve the ability of local authorities to respond more quickly to fire incidents, helping reduce the potential impact on lives, property, and local businesses. 

By supporting local services and infrastructure, we aim to contribute to safer and more resilient communities in the region. We will continue to work alongside local partners and institutions to support the safety, wellbeing, and resilience of the communities in which we operate.