Itsekiri Group Calls for Urgent Action on Ocean Surge Crisis in Delta State

The Itsekiri Environmental Protection Initiative (IEPI) has called on the Delta State and Federal Governments to prioritize the protection of Itsekiri communities affected by recurring ocean surges in the 2025 national budget.

A statement issued on Wednesday, November 13, by its National Coordinator, Ojumude Bishop, disclosed that an on-site impact assessment was conducted in Ode-Ugborodo, Warri South-West, highlighting the ongoing threat of ocean surges to Itsekiri communities, including Ogheye, Orere, Ugborodo, and nearby areas. Despite previous visits by state and federal representatives, the group expressed concern over unfulfilled government promises to address the issue.

Warri Sentinel confirms the ocean surge problem extends across several local government areas and has worsened despite earlier relief efforts from the Office of the Sole Representative to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, which liaised with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and its joint venture partners.

The group urged the implementation of immediate, sustainable solutions to protect the livelihoods of local communities, which are vital to Nigeria’s oil economy, contributing up to 40% of the nation’s crude oil production.

IEPI further called for urgent measures in the 2025 budget, including the construction of shore protection walls, the rehabilitation and resettlement of affected residents, and the provision of relief materials. The group also announced that a professional impact assessment report, led by an environmental expert, Egere Weyinmi, is underway to examine the causes and impacts of the ocean surge.