The Niger Delta Patriotic Front has criticised the Federal Government for failing to address the ocean surge that has damaged more than 150 coastal communities in the region.

The group said several riverine settlements have already lost significant portions of their land.

Communities named as affected include Agge in Bayelsa State, Forcados and Ugborodo in Delta State, as well as Awoye, Igbokoda, Ayetoro and others in Ondo State. The organisation warned that continued inaction could see more coastal areas wiped out by rising sea pressure.

In a statement signed by its president, David Odeli, and publicity secretary, Timi Okubor, the group said successive governments had neglected the Niger Delta despite the region producing the bulk of Nigeria’s oil and gas. It accused authorities of national exclusion and poor development focus.

The group also decried the long-delayed state of major roads such as the Warri–Calabar East-West Road and other key routes linking the region. It further criticised the practice of locating the headquarters of international oil companies outside their operational bases in the Niger Delta.

NDPF called on the Federal Government to work with state authorities on a strong regional policy to protect coastal communities. It also urged the government to ensure seaports in the region function properly and to accelerate the rehabilitation of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.

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