Warri Federal Constituency NDC Aspirant Mulade Calls on Federal, Delta Govts to Take Action On Coastal Erosion in Obuguru Community

By Osaro Michael, Benin

Prominent environmental rights activist and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has issued an urgent appeal to President Bola Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and relevant authorities to intervene in the severe coastal erosion threatening Obuguru Community in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State.

Speaking on the worsening situation in the oil-producing community in Ogulagha Kingdom, Mulade said relentless Atlantic Ocean surges at the River Forcados Estuary have been eroding vast stretches of land, endangering lives, homes, and livelihoods.

“The scale of destruction in Obuguru is alarming and demands immediate action from federal, state, and local governments, as well as environmental agencies,” he said. “I am deeply disturbed by how this crisis is putting the entire community at risk of being wiped out.”

Mulade, who serves as National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), National Treasurer of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), and a 2027 aspirant for the Warri Federal Constituency seat, said the erosion has already destroyed ancestral homes, fishing settlements, and key economic infrastructure.

“If nothing is done urgently, Obuguru faces total extinction and displacement,” he warned. “Large portions of land are being swallowed by the aggressive ocean surge, and with it, the people’s history, property, and means of survival.”

He called on all tiers of government and intervention agencies to roll out practical and lasting shoreline protection measures without delay.

Mulade also criticized former operator Eni Agip Oil Company Nigeria Limited, now Oando Surgenal Limited, for what he described as decades of neglect following oil exploration around the abandoned Beniboye Flow Station in the area.

“Despite the huge wealth extracted from this land, host communities have been left to deal with environmental degradation, economic hardship, and lack of basic infrastructure without compensation or remediation,” he said.

The activist highlighted that neighboring shoreline communities such as Beniboye, Isiayegbene, and Okuntu have faced similar impacts from years of oil activities, heavy marine traffic, and wave action linked to operations in the area.

“These communities have contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy yet lack shoreline protection, healthcare, clean water, schools, and empowerment opportunities,” he added.

Mulade urged the Federal Government and Oando Surgenal Limited to convene an urgent stakeholders’ meeting with affected communities to address environmental and socio-economic grievances. He also called for independent environmental valuers to assess damages and losses from the abandoned Beniboye facilities and to begin compensation and remediation processes.

He further stressed the need for a comprehensive end-of-life and decommissioning plan for all abandoned oil installations in line with international environmental standards.

“Our people cannot keep paying the price for Nigeria’s economic survival without justice,” Mulade said. “What is required now is fairness, remediation, and sustainable development.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to defending vulnerable Niger Delta communities and pushing for environmental justice and peace in the region.