Asaba, Wednesday July 2, 2025 — The Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ejiro Jamani, has come forward to clarify ongoing concerns surrounding the ecological fund and the state’s efforts in managing flooding and gully erosion, especially as the rainy season continues.
Speaking to journalists in Asaba on Wednesday, the commissioner responded to allegations that Delta State, despite being a coastal state, has not received any ecological fund from the Federal Government.
“Since I came into office, I have not received a dime from the ecological fund. The Office of the Secretary to the State Government, which is in charge of the fund, hasn’t given us anything,” he stated.
According to Hon. Jamani, the state government officially wrote to the Federal Government in 2024, highlighting key areas in Delta that urgently need ecological intervention. The letter was signed by the Governor and personally delivered to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), but no response has been received yet.
“We will send a reminder soon because Delta, being a coastal state, truly needs ecological support,” he said.
Ongoing Efforts Despite Lack of Federal Support
Despite the lack of ecological funds from the FG, Hon. Jamani assured that the Delta State Government is proactively tackling ecological challenges. He proudly announced that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori recently approved ₦1.3 billion for urgent intervention at the Amaichai gully erosion site:
- ₦1 billion for counterpart funding
- ₦300 million for consultancy and engineering designs
This is part of the New Map National Project, which recently conducted a readiness assessment in the state.
“The officers came, visited the site, and confirmed our readiness. We expect the funds to be disbursed before the end of this month to permanently address the gully erosion in Amaichai,” Jamani said.
He added that other areas in Delta State like Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, Asaba, and Jesse also suffer from severe gully erosion and need urgent attention. The state government, he said, has already handled some sites without federal support, such as:
- Imidoma in Owanta, Ika North East LGA
- Obomkpa and Okunzu areas
“These projects were handled without any ecological fund. I cannot speak for my predecessors, but since I assumed office, we’ve not received any ecological money,” he emphasized.
On Flood Preparedness and Climate Realities
In response to warnings by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) about possible flooding in Delta, the commissioner explained that the state is well prepared.
“We’re always ahead. We’ve been following a flood management template for the past two years. We start with awareness, then massive clearing of waterways and water settlements,” he said.
He also explained the difference between flooding and rainfall, noting that both are natural events that can’t be prevented, only managed.
“Even developed countries face flooding. You can’t stop the rain from falling. Flooding is a natural phenomenon that we must be ready for every year.”
On Dredging River Niger and Oko Community’s Appeal
Addressing the recent appeal by Oko community to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to help push the Federal Government to dredge the River Niger, Jamani said the request is valid.
“There’s nothing wrong with that request. The River Niger is a natural water body that receives stormwater from Asaba and nearby areas. Dredging it will improve water flow and reduce flooding,” he explained.
He promised to forward the community’s request to the relevant authorities in the state and at the federal level.
This situation shows how governments at different levels must work together to solve environmental problems that affect people’s lives.
