Lawmakers call for urgent federal intervention to save Bayelsa State's historic Odi Kingdom from severe erosion.
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide budgetary support to control devastating erosion in Bayelsa State. Lawmakers fear the historic Ijaw community could face extinction if immediate remedial measures are not deployed to tackle the environmental crisis.
The urgent call came during a plenary session on Tuesday following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Oboku Oforji. The resolution aims to protect homes, farmlands, public infrastructure, and livelihoods currently threatened in the region.
According to the motion, the area has suffered intensified shoreline erosion since an earth tremor struck in 2025, accelerating asset destruction, according to information published by punchng.
Threat of Extinction in Bayelsa State
The motion warned that the erosion is consuming portions of the community daily, leaving residents exposed to displacement and poverty. Lawmakers described the situation as an existential threat to Odi Kingdom, which is one of the oldest Ijaw settlements in Bayelsa State.
The persistent environmental hazard threatens lives and critical infrastructure. Furthermore, lawmakers expressed concern that no comprehensive federal intervention has been undertaken yet despite the massive scale of the disaster.
Call for Emergency Environmental Assessment
Lawmakers urged several key bodies, including the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Niger Delta Development Commission, to conduct emergency assessments. They also called for permanent shoreline protection and land reclamation projects.
Additional agencies mentioned in the legislative directive include the Federal Ministry of Works and the Ecological Project Office. These bodies are expected to collaborate on comprehensive environmental restoration works.
Legislative Action and Joint On-Site Assessment
Following an overwhelming vote in support, the House mandated its committees on Environment, Emergency Preparedness, Ecological Funds, and the NDDC to conduct a joint on-the-spot assessment.
These committees must report back to the House within four weeks with recommendations for immediate legislative action. The sponsor cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, noting that government welfare and security remain paramount.
Historical Resilience of Odi Kingdom
Odi Kingdom previously bore the scars of a November 1999 military invasion where much of the community suffered destruction. Residents successfully rebuilt their homes and livelihoods afterwards, making this new environmental disaster another major survival challenge.
Lawmakers warned that continued neglect could trigger further displacement and deepen socio-economic challenges across the wider Niger Delta region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Odi Kingdom facing an existential threat?
Odi Kingdom in Bayelsa State is facing severe shoreline erosion that has intensified following an earth tremor in 2025, consuming portions of the community daily.
What did the House of Representatives demand from the Federal Government?
The House urged the Federal Government to provide budgetary support, deploy relevant agencies, and execute permanent shoreline protection, erosion control, and land reclamation projects.
Which federal agencies are involved in the assessment?
The Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Works, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and the Niger Delta Development Commission are directed to intervene.
When do the legislative committees need to report back?
The mandated House committees must conduct a joint on-the-spot assessment and report back to the House with recommendations within four weeks.
