Senior Political Adviser to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a Federal Ministry of Shoreline Protection to address the persistent flooding affecting riverine communities, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
Aguariavwodo made this appeal on Monday during his visit to Bomadi and Patani Local Government Areas, part of his statewide tour to engage with political appointees and members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) across Delta’s 25 local government areas. The advisor stressed that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) lacks the resources to fund large-scale shoreline protection projects and that only the Federal Government has the capacity to undertake such initiatives.
"Over 100 communities along the River Niger face imminent submersion due to aggressive erosion caused by the river, leading to significant loss of lives and property,” Aguariavwodo explained. “This erosion continues to displace and impoverish the people of the Niger Delta." He emphasized that the Federal Ministry could incorporate the Ecological Fund, allowing communities threatened by river or gully erosion in other parts of Nigeria to benefit as well.
Addressing the economic implications, Aguariavwodo pointed out that the Niger Delta’s dependency on federal resources and the absence of industry exacerbate poverty and unrest. "A Federal Ministry of Shoreline Protection could spearhead genuine efforts to support sustainable development in the Niger Delta," he added.
During the event, Aguariavwodo urged locals to remain patient, assuring them of Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to riverine development through the newly established Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure. "Governor Oborevwori’s MORE agenda is designed to uplift riverine communities, promising increased political engagement and project execution to improve social and economic conditions," he stated.
Local leaders, including Bomadi Council Chairman Hon. Dagidi Andaye and his Patani counterpart Hon. Isaac Aguanah, praised Governor Oborevwori’s development agenda. Andaye commended the governor for approving the Bomadi-Orhoro Road project, which is expected to stimulate the local economy. Additionally, the Patani community voiced appreciation for the Uduophori Secondary Commercial School Road project, while appealing for further infrastructure improvements, including the Patani-Eruwa-Abari and Patani-Agoloma Toru-Angiama-Uduophori roads.
The well-attended gatherings included prominent figures such as Hon. Emmanuel Sinebe, Barr Funyei Manager, Commissioner for Special Duties; Barr Thankgod Trakriowei, Commissioner for Youth Development; and Hon. (Prince) K.P. Penawoa, highlighting the collaborative approach to addressing local concerns in the Niger Delta.
