Agency seeks N94bn to save Ondo coastal community from extinction

The coastal community of Aiyetoro in Nigeria's Ondo State faces imminent extinction due to relentless Atlantic Ocean incursions, prompting the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) to seek N94 billion for its preservation. The commission's chairman, Olabiyi Poroye, disclosed this urgent need during the 2026 World Environment Day celebration held in Aiyetoro.

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Studies and geophysical surveys conducted across affected communities show that the scale of destruction required huge financial resources beyond the capacity of intervention agency of the state alone.

Poroye highlighted that studies and geophysical surveys have confirmed the severe scale of destruction caused by climate change, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels. These environmental challenges have overwhelmed the capacity of the state's intervention agencies. The estimated cost for land reclamation in just one of the affected communities within OSOPADEC's mandate area underscores the magnitude of the crisis. "That amount is enormous and shows the magnitude of the challenge before us," Poroye stated.

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We are planning land reclamation for one of the communities in our mandate area and the estimated cost is about N94 billion. That amount is enormous and shows the magnitude of the challenge before us.

Given the financial strain, OSOPADEC is making a direct appeal to the international community, development partners, and donor agencies for assistance. "We are calling on the international community to come to our aid and help us overcome this environmental crisis," Poroye urged. The World Environment Day event was specifically chosen to draw global attention to the plight of communities devastated by environmental challenges and to rally support for crucial land reclamation and protection measures.

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That amount is enormous and shows the magnitude of the challenge before us.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, acknowledged the government's concern about the impact of sea incursions on residents. He emphasized the need for continued collaboration with OSOPADEC and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions. Loko also noted that past governments might not have been proactive enough, but the current administration is committed to improving the living conditions of affected residents. The traditional ruler of Aiyetoro, Oba Oluwambe Ojagbohunmi, lamented that over 80 percent of the community has already been lost to the sea.

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We are calling on the international community to come to our aid and help us overcome this environmental crisis.