According to Vanguard Newspaper, the House of Representatives has urged the federal government to declare oil-producing coastal communities in Ondo State as disaster zones requiring national emergency intervention.
Donald Ojogo, the representative for Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, raised a motion of urgent public importance, emphasizing the need to protect these communities from extinction due to severe sea incursions and ocean surges.
During the debate, Ojogo highlighted that the four oil-producing coastal communities in Ondo State significantly contribute to Nigeria’s revenue. He stated, “These communities account for about 5.8% of the 60,000 barrels per day (BPD) of Ondo State’s crude oil production, amounting to approximately 3.7% of Nigeria’s total oil output.”
Ojogo argued that the oil production from these coastal areas has earned Ondo State its fifth-place ranking among Nigeria’s oil-producing states, as outlined in the NDDC Act. He lamented that sea incursions and ocean surges have plagued these communities for over two decades, destroying homes and displacing thousands of residents.
He noted that the surges have disrupted oil exploration activities, threatening peace and security in the riverine areas. The situation has escalated, with some communities, particularly Awoye, being split in two by the advancing ocean.
In the past three weeks alone, increased sea incursions have forced mass evacuations, and regrettably, avoidable deaths have been reported due to the harsh living conditions faced by displaced persons.
Ojogo expressed concern that successive Ondo State administrations have been overwhelmed by the crisis and appear helpless as these communities face gradual submersion and near extinction. He described the situation as a stark example of environmental degradation, frequently highlighted in both national and international media as a grim portrayal of ecological devastation.
He stressed the importance of federal government intervention and urged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in its efforts to enhance oil production for national revenue.
Meanwhile, two bills sponsored by Ojogo have passed their first reading in the House. These bills aim to establish the Federal University of Oil and Gas Technology at Igbokoda and the National Institute for Vocational and Entrepreneurial Studies at Agadagba, Obon-Arogbo.
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