Akure, Ondo – The Ondo State House of Assembly has committed a bill seeking the establishment of the Ondo State Coastal Management Agency to its Committee on Transport and Public Utilities after it scaled through second reading during plenary.

The bill, sponsored by the lawmaker representing Irele Constituency, Oluwatoyin Allen, seeks to regulate coastal activities in the state to promote economic development, ensure environmental protection and strengthen security along waterways.

Leading the debate, Allen observed that many states are endowed with rich water resources that, if properly harnessed and managed, could significantly boost local commerce and marine transport.

He explained that the proposed agency would be responsible for clearing and dredging water routes to facilitate transportation, support fishing activities and enforce regulations to maintain order and safety on the waterways.

The lawmaker stressed that the bill also makes provision for the establishment of a coastal guard to tackle piracy, monitor illegal immigration through marine routes and ensure the enforcement of maritime laws.

He raised concerns over increasing oil spillage in coastal areas caused by some companies recently contracted by local governments.

Allen said the agency, when established, would regulate such companies, help reduce environmental degradation and improve the state’s internally generated revenue through proper registration and oversight mechanisms.

According to him, the establishment of the agency would also create employment opportunities, boost marine-based businesses and bring structure to the transport sector through the registration of boats and marine operators.

Allen called on his colleagues to support the bill, noting that it holds immense potential for long-term economic growth, youth empowerment and sustainable development in the coastal communities of the state and beyond.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Chief Olamide Oladiji, condemned the unregulated operations of oil companies in Nigeria’s coastal regions, accusing them of exploiting local resources without meaningful contributions to infrastructure and development.

He expressed concern that the absence of a regulatory body had enabled such companies to operate unchecked, causing harm to both the environment and the economic wellbeing of coastal dwellers.

The Speaker described the bill as a “potential game changer” that could address security lapses, illegal transportation and environmental challenges along the state’s waterways.

He assured of the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring the bill’s speedy passage for the benefit of affected communities.