The Nigerian House of Representatives has urged the Government, through the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Ecological Project Office and other relevant agencies, to jointly undertake an emergency assessment of the erosion disaster in Odi Kingdom.
It also called for the immediate design and execution of permanent shoreline protection, erosion control, and land reclamation projects in the area.
They also urged the Nigerian Government to make adequate budgetary provisions for comprehensive erosion control, shoreline stabilisation, and environmental restoration works in Odi Kingdom to safeguard lives, property, and the continued existence of the community.
Motion of Urgent Public Importance on ” The Urgent Need for Federal Government’s Intervention to Address the Devastating Erosion and Environmental Disaster in Odi Kingdom, Bayelsa State”, sponsored by Mr Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji at plenary.
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Leading the House on the motion, Mr Oforji said Odi Kingdom is one of the largest and oldest Ijaw settlements in Bayelsa State and Nigeria, strategically located along the River Nun shoreline.
” The community holds significant historical, cultural, and economic importance and has, over the years, contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region.
“Also note that Odi Kingdom suffered extensive destruction during the military invasion of 1999, following which the people painstakingly rebuilt their homes and livelihoods.
“In 2025, the community experienced a devastating earth tremor and intensified shoreline erosion, which accelerated the collapse of residential buildings, public infrastructure, and farmlands, rendering many residents homeless and exposing the community to further environmental hazards.
“Saddened that persistent erosion continues to consume large portions of the community on a daily basis, threatening lives, livelihoods, critical infrastructure, and the very existence of the Odi Kingdom.
“Despite the severity of the environmental disaster, no comprehensive intervention has been undertaken by the relevant Federal Government agencies, leaving the affected residents in conditions of hardship, poverty, and displacement.
“Concerned that: if urgent remedial measures are not taken, Odi Kingdom faces the imminent risk of further environmental degradation, displacement of its people, and possible extinction of the community,” he said.
Mr Oforji noted that the continued neglect of the erosion crisis poses serious humanitarian, environmental, and socio-economic consequences for Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region.
“By virtue of section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Federal Government has a constitutional responsibility to protect the lives, property, and environment of Nigerians and to respond promptly to natural disasters affecting communities across the country,” the motion added.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr Tajudeen Abbas who presided over plenary, mandated the House Committee on Environment, the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, the House Committee on Ecological Funds, and the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission to jointly conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the affected community and report back to the House within four weeks with recommendations for immediate legislative action, after a voice vote.
