From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Senate has called for urgent Federal Government intervention to protect coastal communities from destructive ocean surges, warning that continued sea incursion threatens lives, livelihoods, public infrastructure and cultural heritage.
Lawmakers cited reports that about 80 per cent of buildings in Aiyetoro, a historic coastal settlement in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, had been lost to the advancing Atlantic Ocean.
They noted that the destruction had affected homes, schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship and traditional institutions, leaving residents increasingly vulnerable to displacement and loss of livelihoods.
The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Dayo Faduyile on the urgent need for immediate and comprehensive shoreline protection to save Aiyetoro from further destruction.
The Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Environment, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other relevant agencies to collaborate with the Ondo State Government and the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) on a comprehensive and adequately funded shoreline protection programme.
It also demanded a transparent review of previous and ongoing shoreline protection contracts in Aiyetoro, including their funding, implementation status, outstanding obligations and completion timelines, to address reported delays and ensure results.
Amending the prayers of the motion, Samson Ekong sought the inclusion of affected communities in Akwa Ibom South in the Federal Government’s intervention.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the proposal, stressing the need to extend protection to vulnerable shorelines generally.
“Some of these things are above the resources of the state, and that is why these issues are being brought here to the Senate,” he said.
The Senate also urged the government to explore appropriate budgetary provisions and international climate adaptation financing to support sustainable coastal protection, land reclamation where technically appropriate, and the restoration of essential community infrastructure.
It called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and relevant state authorities to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, including safe water, healthcare support and temporary shelter for affected residents.
Lawmakers warned that further delay could result in additional losses and worsen humanitarian and environmental conditions, particularly for children, women and elderly residents.
To ensure implementation, the Senate mandated its Committees on Environment, Niger Delta Development Commission and Special Duties to liaise with relevant ministries, agencies and stakeholders, monitor progress and report back within four weeks.
The Committee on Legislative Compliance was also directed to monitor compliance with the resolutions and report to the chamber.