Governor Dapo Abiodun attributed the widespread erosion issues in Ogun State to unregulated mining activities, including laterite extraction.

 

He urged the House of Representatives’ Ecological Fund Committee to ensure that federal agencies monitor mining practices to prevent further environmental damage.

 

The governor, represented by Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, expressed readiness to collaborate with federal agencies to combat environmental degradation.

 

Abiodun stated, “We need federal agencies to enforce stricter monitoring of mining activities to prevent further erosion.”

 

He acknowledged climate change as a factor but emphasized the role of poor mining practices, particularly in areas already impacted by infrastructure projects.

 

“Mining remains a major concern in Ogun State, especially the extraction of laterite. Once the land is disturbed, it becomes prone to severe erosion during rainfall, creating significant problems for our residents.”

 

Abiodun stressed the importance of preventive measures to minimize future devastation.

 

“The people look to you to secure funding that will help mitigate the ongoing damage caused by erosion,” he added.

 

The committee, led by Deputy Chairman Hon. Sina Oyedeji, visited Ogun to assess erosion-impacted areas.

 

During a tour of Ijebu-Ode, Oyedeji assured residents that the federal government would work with the state to address the escalating erosion problem.

 

Hon. Oyedeji expressed urgency in tackling the situation, saying, “We must act quickly to prevent Ijebu-Ode from becoming uninhabitable.”

 

He mentioned that compensation for affected residents would be considered on humanitarian grounds, urging them to file claims with the federal government.

 

The committee also inspected erosion sites in Isheri, Ifo Local Government Area, where Oyedeji described the flooding as severe, promising government intervention.

 

Hon. Ola Oresanya, Commissioner for Environment, cited a 1985 earth tremor as a contributing factor to Ijebu-Ode’s erosion challenges and noted that the state had conducted tests to find long-term solutions.

 

Oresanya also mentioned potential relocation for affected residents, though he acknowledged their resistance to leaving ancestral homes.

 

Key areas inspected included Owa, Makalewu, Ikangba, and Isheri.