The federal government has been encouraged by the House of Representatives to designate Ondo State’s oil-producing coastal villages as disaster areas that need national emergency assistance.
In order to prevent these settlements from going extinct as a result of extreme sea intrusion and ocean surges, Donald Ojogo, who represents the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, introduced a resolution of urgent public interest.
“These communities account for about 5.8% of the 60,000 barrels per day (BPD) of Ondo State’s crude oil production, amounting to about 3.7% of Nigeria’s total oil output.”
Ojogo led the discussion, emphasizing that the four oil-producing coastal communities in Ondo State make a substantial contribution to Nigeria’s revenue.
He claimed that the oil production in the coastal area earned Ondo State its fifth-place ranking among Nigeria’s oil-producing states, as required by the NDDC Act.
Ojogo claimed that the situation has gotten worse, with some communities, especially Awoye, being split in two by the advancing ocean. He bemoaned the fact that sea incursions and ocean surges have afflicted these communities for more than 20 years, destroying homes and forcing thousands of residents to relocate.
He also pointed out that the surges have interfered with oil exploration activities, endangering peace and security in the riverine areas.
Increased sea incursions have prompted widespread evacuations in just the last three weeks, and sadly, the difficult living conditions experienced by displaced people have resulted in preventable fatalities.
As these villages face progressive submersion and near extinction, the lawmaker voiced worry that the situation has overtaken successive Ondo State administrations and that they seem powerless.
He described the situation as a metaphor for environmental degradation, frequently featured in both national and international media as a grim portrayal of ecological devastation.
Ojogo emphasized the significance of federal government action and called for backing for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as it attempts to increase oil production in order to increase national revenue. Two of Ojogo’s measures, meantime, have made it through the House’s first reading.
The National Institute for Vocational and Entrepreneurial Studies at Agadagba, Obon-Arogbo, and the Federal University of Oil and Gas Technology at Igbokoda are intended to be established by the bills.