By Michael Agbaji
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted a motion sponsored by Joseph Ikpea, drawing urgent national attention to the escalating ecological degradation across Esan land in Edo State and other vulnerable regions of the country.
The motion, which received broad support from lawmakers, underscored the devastating impact of erosion and flooding across several parts of Nigeria, particularly in the South-East, South-South, and North-Central regions.
In his presentation, Senator Ikpea highlighted the persistent environmental challenges confronting communities situated in high-altitude and erosion-prone areas.
He noted that these regions continue to suffer severe soil erosion during heavy rainfall, resulting in the destruction of farmlands, homes, and critical infrastructure.
The lawmaker observed that erosion has remained a long-standing issue, stressing that while past interventions—including efforts by former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole—recorded notable progress, recent responses have not adequately matched the growing scale of the crisis.
The Senate expressed concern over the adverse effects of environmental degradation on agricultural productivity, warning that the continued loss of arable land could worsen food insecurity and expose affected communities to economic hardship.
Lawmakers further cautioned that the situation, if left unaddressed, could pose broader security risks.
Adopting the motion, the Senate called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to intensify efforts toward erosion control and environmental management across the country.
It also emphasized the need for equitable, transparent, and accountable utilization of the Ecological Fund to support communities experiencing severe environmental challenges.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate mandated its relevant committees to carry out oversight on the disbursement and utilization of ecological funds, ensuring that allocated resources are effectively deployed to mitigate environmental degradation.
Speaking with journalists after the adoption of the motion, Senator Ikpea expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing it as a significant step toward fulfilling campaign promises and amplifying the concerns of affected communities at the national level.
“The ecological challenges we face are not limited to one region; they are national in scope. This motion is a collective call for action to ensure that all Nigerians benefit fairly from resources meant to address such pressing issues,” he stated.
The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the executive arm of government and relevant stakeholders to ensure timely, sustainable, and effective solutions to Nigeria’s erosion and flooding challenges.
