The Senate has given its committees four weeks to report on efforts to protect the Aiyetoro community in Ondo State from Atlantic Ocean surges, which lawmakers say have destroyed about 80 per cent of its buildings.
The lawmakers urged the Federal Government to work with the Ondo State Government to implement a comprehensive shoreline protection programme in Aiyetoro, located in Ilaje Local Government Area.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Dayo Faduyile, representing Ondo South, who warned that continued sea incursion was threatening lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and the cultural heritage of the historic coastal community.
The Senate called on the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Niger Delta Development Commission and the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission to work together to deliver an adequately funded intervention.
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.
Lawmakers said the destruction had affected homes, schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship and traditional institutions, leaving residents increasingly vulnerable to displacement and loss of income.
They urged the Federal Government to explore budgetary provisions and international climate adaptation funding to support sustainable coastal protection, land reclamation where technically feasible, and the restoration of essential infrastructure.
The Senate also called on the National Emergency Management Agency and relevant state authorities to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, including safe water, healthcare and temporary shelter for residents whose homes and livelihoods are under threat.
To monitor implementation, it mandated its Committees on Environment, Niger Delta Development Commission and Special Duties to liaise with relevant ministries, agencies and stakeholders and report back within four weeks.
The Committee on Legislative Compliance was also directed to monitor adherence to the resolutions.
During deliberations, Senator Samson Ekong called for affected communities in Akwa Ibom South to be included in the proposed federal intervention. Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the amendment, stressing the need for broader shoreline protection.
“Some of these things are above the resources of the state and that is why these issues are being brought here to the Senate,” Akpabio said.
The lawmakers warned that further delays could lead to additional deaths, destruction of property, loss of livelihoods and the erosion of the community’s cultural heritage.
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