Reps ask FG to address gully erosion nationwide

The house of representatives has asked the federal government to address the problem of gully erosion across the country.

The house passed the resolution during plenary on Thursday following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Kolawole Akinlayo, a lawmaker from Ekiti state.

Gully erosion occurs when water gathers in a narrow channel on the soil, creating deep channels or gullies.

This can lead to significant land degradation and damage road infrastructure, increasing the risk of flooding.

While moving the motion, Akinlayo said the ravaging effect of coastal erosion across the country has posed a significant threat to the security and livelihoods of many communities.

The legislator said there is an urgent need for
government intervention and sustainable solutions to protect the citizens and their environment.

Akinlayo said communities in Moba/Ilejemeje/Ido-Osi federal constituency in Ekiti state are severely affected by erosion.

He said the erosion may lead to the collapse of the entire community.

“The issue of gully erosion poses a significant threat to the indigenous people of the communities, causing flooding of various structures, churches, farms, schools, and football fields further complicating the financial security of the people and displaced residents,” he said.

The lawmaker said if urgent action is not taken to avert the disaster, the consequences of severe
flooding at the peak of the rainy season could spark a looming danger and “ultimately result in the
deaths of well-meaning Nigerians due to erosion”.

“As a result, reclamation and shore protection
measures must be put in place to address the threat to communities that could otherwise disappear,” he said.

The motion was adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

Consequently, the parliament asked the ministry of works, Federal Roads and Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and ecological fund office to urgently assist the construction of roads affected across the state.

The lawmakers also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to ensure the resettlement of displaced residents in affected areas and provide relief materials to them.