The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday threw its weight behind a motion by Joseph Ikpea, raising alarm over worsening ecological degradation across Esan land in Edo State and other vulnerable regions nationwide.
The motion, which received overwhelming support on the floor, spotlighted the devastating effects of erosion and flooding across parts of the South-East, South-South, and North-Central zones, drawing urgent national attention to what lawmakers described as a growing environmental crisis.
Deliberations highlighted the long-standing challenges faced by communities in high-altitude and erosion-prone areas, where heavy rainfall continues to trigger severe soil loss, destroying farmlands, homes, and critical infrastructure.
Presenting the motion, Senator Ikpea stressed that erosion has persisted for decades, noting that while past administrations including that of former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole made commendable efforts to tackle the problem, recent interventions have fallen short of the scale required.
He warned that the accelerating loss of arable land is already impacting agricultural productivity and could worsen food insecurity, pushing vulnerable populations deeper into economic hardship. Lawmakers also cautioned that the situation, if left unchecked, could escalate security risks in affected areas.
The Senate called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to intensify erosion control and environmental management efforts, stressing the need for equitable and transparent use of the Ecological Fund to support communities facing severe degradation.
As part of its resolutions, the upper chamber mandated its committees to carry out strict oversight on the disbursement and utilization of ecological funds, ensuring that resources earmarked for intervention are effectively deployed.
Speaking to journalists after the motion was adopted, Senator Ikpea welcomed the development as a major step forward.
“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 said.
The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to working with the executive arm and key stakeholders to deliver timely and sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s deepening erosion and flooding crisis.
