A non-governmental organization known as SaFe and Better Nigeria (SBN) has called the government’s attention to the rising sea level caused by global warming and the threats it poses to coastal communities, especially in Bayelsa, a Niger Delta region.
Why It Matters
Reports of flooding have been noted all over the world due to rising sea levels caused by global warming. The recent rise in the water level in these communities poses threats of flooding and loss of lives and properties.
What They Are Saying
The NGO revealed that communities in Brass, Ekeremor, and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State are at risk of extinction due to the constant rise in sea level caused by global warming. These communities are connected to the Atlantic Ocean, which explains the extent of risk posed to these communities.
The national coordinator, Solomon Charles Ikpaka, of SBN warned that if the federal and state governments do not come up with an action plan in the next 15 years, most of the communities would be washed away as the people risk losing their identity.
The statement partly read, “The SaFe and Better Nigeria (SBN) is very worried about the pathetic situation of the Niger Delta because, aside from the issue of ocean encroachment, the coastal communities are facing another monstrous challenge called ‘siltation.’
“SaFe and Better Nigeria wants the Federal government and the Niger Delta governors to come together and chart the way forward to save our communities.
“There is a need to dredge our rivers to make the water channels deep enough to accommodate more water; this will stop the yearly flooding which devastates homes and farmlands across the River Niger because of the shallow nature of the water channels.
“All they need to do is dredge the River Niger, and then for communities along the Atlantic Ocean, they also need to do dredging work to reclaim land. If not, many of these communities will be underwater in the next 10 to 15 years.”
Bottom Line
The urgent call from SBN underscores the critical need for immediate government action to address rising sea levels and their devastating impacts on coastal communities in the Niger Delta. Without proactive measures, these communities face the grim prospect of severe flooding, land loss, and potential extinction.
