Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Ecology Funds on Friday visited Lagos to gain firsthand experience of some erosion-prone areas and ensure that all appropriated funds are properly applied.
The team led by the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oyedeji Oyeshina, included Hon Paul Nnamchi, Hon Kafilat Ogbara, Hon Ahmed Doro, Hon Hassan Abubakar 111, Hon. Yakubu Noma, Abdullahi Gwarzo, Hon Patrick Umoh, Hon Aminu Aliyu Gari, Hon. Hassan Jakduwa, Hon Aminu Ibrahim Kafu, and Hon Danladi Aguye were received by a high powered team led by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab being and taken round many of the erosion-prone areas of the State.
Addressing newsmen after the tour, the Vice Chairman, Hon Oyedeji Oyeshina said the team was in Lagos just as it has gone round some other states in the geo-political zone to find a lasting solution to erosion challenges in the State.
He said: “This team has visited some states in the Northern part as well as Eastern parts and now in the South West, we recognise that erosion challenges is part of the effects of climate change and funds allocated to combat it must be used judiciously”
Hon Oyedeji explained that the federal government had decided to pause on the use of the Ecological Funds to allow the committee to conduct a holistic assessment and advise FG on the subsequent disbursement of the funds to States appropriately.
He stressed that part of the committee’s mandate is to ensure that all communities affected by erosion and other ecological issues are adequately catered for when the funds are allocated.
According to him, “I would like to emphasise that the Federal Government would not relent but will continue to collaborate with all the states to perform its responsibilities of maintaining a safe and sustainable environment for all”.
While speaking, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, expressed optimism that residents of the erosion-prone areas in the state would have cause to enjoy the benefits of the funds.
“I believe very soon, our people are going to enjoy the benefits of these funds; According to what the Vice chairman just said, the Federal government had to pause on the disbursement of ecological funds deliberately which shows that it plans to rework the allocation process to ensure it becomes more effective” Wahab added.
He recalled that the State Government officials had in 2019 conducted a comprehensive assessment on all erosion-affected areas and requested funds from the Federal government to resolve the issues.
He emphasised that it is very essential for the Federal and State Governments to collaborate in ensuring a sustainable development of all parts and providing a quality living environment for all residents.
He added that Lagos awaits the Ecological and intervention funds approval to fix some ecological challenges which the State has been experiencing for a while.
He added that the funds would be deployed to some projects which have already been identified to address the devastating effect of erosion and flood menace in the affected communities.
He expressed appreciation to the committee members for visiting Lagos State in the South West to see how the erosion scourge which had posed a serious threat to lives and properties can permanently be addressed in the affected areas and communities.
Also on the trip were the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mrs. Lolade Aina and other top State officials as well as staff of the committee from Abuja.
The erosion-prone areas visited include Orimolade Street, off College Road; Alade Bucknor Estate, off Fagba Road; Sango Toll Gate Bridge, Lagos/ Abeokuta Expressway; Maidan/Agiliti area of Ketu and Agboyi Ketu area of the State.
