The Senate has taken action to address the continuous sea incursions that are devastating Ayetoro community in Ondo State. The Senate mandated its Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to investigate the multi-billion shoreline contract awarded by the commission in 2006. The aim is to find alternative solutions where necessary to mitigate the dangerous slide.
Additionally, the Senate directed the Committees on NDDC, Environment and Ecology to work with relevant ministries to develop modalities for immediate interventions in the disaster. The Senate also called on the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and other oil companies to fulfill their corporate social responsibility by helping to protect lives and properties and improve various aspects of the community.
The resolutions were made following a motion presented by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC Ondo South) during Tuesday’s plenary. Senator Ibrahim highlighted that Ayetoro community and its environs contribute significantly to the state’s crude oil production output. However, the community has been facing devastating sea incursions and ocean surges for over two decades, resulting in the destruction of homes, displacement of residents, and disruption of oil exploration in the area.
Senator Ibrahim expressed concern over the lack of effective interventions despite the NDDC awarding a contract in 2006 for the construction of a shoreline protective wall. The contract was later revoked and re-awarded, but there has been little progress in implementing the project.
The senator warned that Ayetoro community is at risk of being completely lost to the sea if urgent action is not taken. The Senate’s intervention aims to address the pressing issue and find sustainable solutions to protect the community and its residents.
