The Lagos State House of Assembly has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the protection of shorelines of Eti-Osa, Ibeju Lekki, Badagry, Lagos Island and others in the state.
The House made the appeal sequel to a motion raised by the prime mover, Hon. Noheem Adams, representing Eti-Osa Constituency 1, during the plenary session in Lagos on Tuesday.
NAN reports that the ocean surges had displaced lots of lives in the coastal areas of the state, especially during the rainy season.
The lawmakers also urged Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President, to release the ecological fund meant for the state, and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the relevant ministry to come up with modalities to address the shoreline issues, adding that a state of emergency should be declared on the communities.
Adams disclosed that Lagos was excluded from the ecological fund, while states such as Abia, Imo, Adamawa, Jigawa, Niger, the FCT and others benefited from it.
“These communities have been displaced due to ocean surge. Our communities are calling on the necessary bodies to save our souls. We need an emergency to be declared in those areas.
“Ecological fund was established and 1 percent of it was set aside to take care of these ecological issues but Lagos State was excluded from the fund,” he said.
The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade said that the House Committee on Waterfront should evaluate dredging activities in the state and think of how to be involved in championing this cause.
Agunbiade stated that there was poor disposal of solid waste in the state; hence, the public should be sensitised on its unavoidable effect.
“The committee on waterfront needs to do a lot by calling for the evaluation of dredging activities in many parts of the state.
“The waterfront committee should sit back and think of how to be involved in championing this cause.
“There should be a resolve on how to address improper disposal of solid waste in parts of the state. We are also calling on members of the public to ensure that they dispose of their waste according to the law,” he said.
