The House of Representatives has demanded immediate intervention from the Federal Government to address the escalating flood and erosion crisis devastating Ondo State.
The federal lawmakers are calling for a special intervention fund to combat the widespread destruction that has already displaced thousands.
The urgent plea came on Thursday following a motion raised by Hon. Donald Ojogo (APC, Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, Ondo), who painted a grim picture of the situation in his constituency. Ojogo informed his colleagues that “a devastating flood which began on July 1, 2025, is currently ravaging communities in Ilaje/Ese-Odo, affecting 17 out of 22 electoral wards and displacing more than 15,000 residents.” He also confirmed that nine individuals have already been hospitalized due to injuries and illnesses related to the flooding.
Among those affected are prominent traditional leaders, including the Traditional minister (Tarabiritoru) of the ancient Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom in Ondo state, who has been rendered homeless. Ojogo emphasized the looming threat of an epidemic, urging swift federal action to prevent an outbreak of waterborne diseases in the affected areas.
In response to the dire situation, the House has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately deploy relief materials and provide emergency shelters for those displaced.
Lawmakers stressed that the immense scale of the disaster necessitates both immediate humanitarian aid and long-term federal investment in robust erosion and flood control infrastructure.
“This is not just an environmental issue, it’s a humanitarian crisis,” Ojogo asserted during his motion. He warned that “if we fail to act now, the consequences could spiral far beyond this region.”
The call from the House of Representatives intensifies pressure on the executive arm of government to prioritize disaster relief and bolster infrastructure resilience in Nigeria’s many flood-prone communities.
