Esan Erosion: Senate Calls for Urgent Federal Intervention

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 followed a motion sponsored by Joseph Ikpea on Wednesday during plenary.

The motion, titled “Urgent Need for Immediate Federal Intervention to Address Escalating Ecological Degradation across Esan Land in Edo Central Senatorial District,” was adopted by the chamber.

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 called on the agencies to commence intervention works at identified erosion sites across the region.

Lawmakers further 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 comprises five local government areas—Esan Central, Esan West, Esan North-East, Esan South-East, and Igueben—is 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 has cut off access routes and now threatens 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 are 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 the loss of natural forest cover.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio underscored the urgency of the issue, noting that erosion remains 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.

“There will be a day when we will declare an emergency on gully erosion because we are losing portions of the limited land left in the South-East and parts of the South-South.”

Akpabio also called on the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure that relevant agencies act swiftly on the resolutions.