The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday called for urgent intervention on the escalating erosion crisis ravaging Anambra South Senatorial District, following a motion raised in the Senate identifying the zone as the epicentre of gully erosion in Nigeria and warning of an impending transportation and humanitarian emergency.
Raising the matter on the floor of the Senate, the lawmaker representing Anambra South, Senator Nwachukwu Emmanuel, lamented that several communities and major federal transport corridors in the district are under severe threat from advancing erosion, decades of infrastructural neglect and failing drainage systems.
Speaking with journalists after plenary, the Senator explained that the motion—his first since joining the Red Chamber—was informed by worsening erosion sites, the deplorable state of critical federal roads and the urgent need for federal intervention to prevent large-scale displacement and economic disruption.
According to him, one of the most dangerous erosion sites is located along the Onitsha–Owerri Road at Okija, where one side of the dual carriageway has already collapsed, while erosion is rapidly advancing toward the remaining lane.
“This highway is no longer an Anambra road alone. It links Imo, Abia, Rivers and other neighbouring states. If it is eventually cut off, the consequences will be catastrophic,” he warned.
The Senator also highlighted the Oba–Nnewi–Amichi–Uga road corridor, describing it as a long-neglected erosion-prone route that has suffered extensive damage since 2003. He noted that less than half of the road has been completed over the years, leaving adjoining communities exposed to deep gullies and increasing the risk of total road failure.
He further revealed that the collapse of an old metal bridge constructed in the 1960s, while two replacement bridges remain uncompleted, has worsened erosion in the area, cutting off communities and compounding environmental degradation.
“These are not just environmental statistics. These are real threats to lives, livelihoods and entire communities,” the Senator stated.
Senator Emmanuel disclosed that although the motion had been listed on the Senate Order Paper since November 2025, its consideration was delayed by legislative schedules. He, however, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the debate and the Senate’s response.
“I am encouraged by the overwhelming support of my colleagues and the clear directive of the Senate President to the Committee on Works to urgently intervene,” he said.
He announced that the Senate Committee on Works has scheduled an on-the-spot assessment of the affected erosion sites and federal roads within the next two weeks, with the aim of compelling immediate remedial action by the Federal Ministry of Works and relevant intervention agencies.
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The Senator warned that failure to act swiftly could result in the collapse of vital transport links, displacement of residents and deepening environmental and economic losses, stressing that erosion in Anambra South has moved beyond a state issue and now requires urgent national attention.
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