By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives on Wednesday called for the declaration of Ayetoro, Awoye, Molutehin, and Abereke—four oil-producing communities in Ondo State—as disaster zones due to devastating sea incursions and ocean surges that have submerged large parts of these areas.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Donald Ojogo (Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency), who highlighted the severe impact of the rising ocean levels on these coastal communities on Wednesday.
He noted that these areas contribute significantly to Nigeria’s oil production, accounting for 5.8% of Ondo State’s 60,000 barrels per day (BPD) output and 3.7% of the nation’s total production.
Hon. Ojogo lamented that the communities have faced recurring ocean surges for over two decades, leading to massive displacement, loss of homes and properties, disruption of oil exploration activities, and threats to peace and security in the region.
He expressed deep concern that the crisis has worsened in recent weeks, forcing large-scale evacuations and resulting in avoidable deaths due to harsh living conditions.
The lawmaker further stressed that successive administrations in Ondo State have been overwhelmed by the crisis, leaving the affected communities on the brink of extinction.
He warned that continued inaction could lead to further environmental and economic losses, undermining the federal government’s goal of increasing oil production under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
To address the crisis, the House resolved to declare Ayetoro, Awoye, Molutehin, and Abereke as disaster zones and a national emergency.
The House Committees on National Emergency & Disaster Management, Ecological Fund, NDDC, Niger Delta (now Regional Development), and Legislative Compliance were mandated to take urgent action to ensure compliance with this resolution.
Lawmakers emphasized the urgent need for intervention to protect the livelihoods of thousands of Nigerians and safeguard the country’s oil-producing assets from further devastation.
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