The House of Representatives has implored the Federal Government to declare oil-producing coastal communities in Ondo State as disaster zones in need of urgent national emergency intervention.
The resolution was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Donald Ojogo (APC, Ondo) during plenary on Wednesday.
Moving the motion, the lawmaker raised concerns over the worsening effects of sea incursion and ocean surges, warning that the affected communities face imminent extinction if immediate action is not taken.
He stressed the plight of residents in the coastal areas, advocating the urgent need for federal intervention to mitigate the environmental and socio-economic consequences of the disasters.
Ojogo emphasized the critical role of the four oil-producing communities in the coastal area of Ondo State as major contributors to the nation’s revenue.
He noted that these communities collectively account for approximately 5.8% of Ondo State’s daily crude oil production, which stands at 60,000 barrels per day (BPD). This, he explained, translates to about 3.7% of Nigeria’s total oil production output.
He emphasized the critical role of local communities in oil production, noting that their contributions have been instrumental in securing Ondo State’s position as the fifth-largest oil-producing state in Nigeria, as recognized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act.
He further lamented the persistent environmental challenges faced by these communities for over two decades, particularly devastating sea incursions and ocean surges. According to him, these disasters have led to the destruction of hundreds of homes and properties, rendering thousands of residents homeless and exacerbating their hardships.
The lawmaker called for urgent intervention to address the plight of the affected communities, stressing the need for sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of these recurring natural disasters.
He stated that the ocean surge has not only disrupted oil exploration activities but also poses significant threats to peace and security in the riverine areas of the state.
Expressing deep concern over the recurring surges, which have become an annual phenomenon, he noted that the situation has worsened, submerging more than half of these communities. In the case of Awoye in particular, the devastating incursion has split the community into two, further exacerbating the crisis.
He revealed that in the past three weeks, the surge in sea incursion has triggered a massive displacement of indigenes, leading to regrettable and avoidable deaths due to the harsh conditions faced by those affected.
Expressing concern,he noted that the situation has reached an alarming level, with successive administrations in Ondo State seemingly overwhelmed and unable to address the crisis. As these communities gradually sink into the ocean, their extinction appears almost inevitable.
He observed that the disturbing scenes emerging from oil-bearing coastal communities have become emblematic, frequently appearing in advertorials on both international and national broadcast channels to highlight environmental degradation.
He added that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with its “Renewed Hope” mantra, must secure robust legislative backing to safeguard the nation’s natural resources. This support is particularly crucial as the administration seeks to ramp up oil production to generate enhanced revenue for developmental initiatives.