By Naomi Sharang
The Senate has called for urgent federal intervention to address the worsening ecological degradation across Esan Land in Edo Central Senatorial District.
It warned that unchecked erosion and environmental damage could trigger widespread displacement and economic hardship.
The resolution of the senate is sequel to a motion sponsored at plenary on Wednesday, by Sen. Joseph Ikpea (APC-Edo).
The motion is entitled “Urgent Need for Immediate Federal Intervention to address Escalating Ecological Degradation across Esan Land in Edo Central Senatorial District”.
The upper chamber urged the Ecological Fund Office, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to immediately conduct on-the-spot assessments.
It also urged the agencies to commence intervention works at identified erosion sites across the region.
The lawmakers also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide emergency relief materials and support to affected communities pending long-term ecological remediation.
Moving the motion, Ikpea said Esan Land, which comprised five local government areas—Esan Central, Esan West, Esan North-East, Esan South-East, and Igueben was highly vulnerable due to its terrain and ecological zone.
He noted that the region’s dissected plateau structure naturally channels heavy rainfall into deep gullies, increasing the risk of severe erosion.
The lawmaker expressed particular concern over the rapid expansion of the Ewu gully erosion site in Esan Central, which had cut off access routes and now threatened nearby homes and businesses.
He further highlighted the environmental impact of deforestation, noting that forest reserves once rich in valuable tree species such as Iroko, Mahogany, and Obeche were being depleted by unchecked logging and farming activities.
“This has left the soil exposed and more susceptible to gully formation.
“In Ekpoma, the erosion and flooding situation around Ambrose Alli University has led to recurring floods, displacement of residents, and significant infrastructure damage, worsened by rapid urban expansion and loss of natural forest cover,” he said.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, underscored the urgency of the issue, noting that erosion remained a major threat not only in Edo but across parts of southern Nigeria.
He warned that continued land loss, collapsing buildings, and destruction of farmlands could escalate into a national emergency if not urgently addressed.
According to him, there will be a day when we will do an emergency on gully erosion because we are losing small portions of land left in south-east and part of south-south.
Akpabio also called on the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure that relevant agencies acted swiftly on the resolutions.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deborah Coker
