The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to deploy resources from the Ecological Fund to address shoreline erosion threatening a major indigenous petrochemical investment in Bayelsa State.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Mr Oforji Oboku.
Presenting the motion, Oboku warned that the worsening erosion at the Eraskorp Industrial Park in Gbarain could jeopardise a strategic private-sector investment expected to boost local manufacturing and support Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.
According to him, the Eraskon Lubricants and Chemicals Blending Plant was established to reduce dependence on imported lubricants and chemical products while promoting economic diversification.
The lawmaker disclosed that the facility includes a lubricant and chemical blending plant with a production capacity of 128,000 litres daily, an aerosol manufacturing plant and a carton production factory.
He explained that the project had recorded significant progress before shoreline erosion damaged critical infrastructure and exposed foundation piles supporting the Integrated Manufacturing Complex.
Oboku noted that major equipment for the plant had already been procured and delivered to the site, while several components of the project were at advanced stages of completion before the environmental challenge intensified.
He warned that failure to protect the facility could undermine an investment expected to create more than 200 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect employment opportunities.
Following deliberations, the House called on the Federal Government to direct the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to utilise the Ecological Fund for shoreline protection and erosion control works at the industrial park and neighbouring communities.
The House Committee on Ecological Fund was also mandated to oversee implementation and report back within six weeks.
Lawmakers stressed that addressing erosion in the Niger Delta remains critical to protecting investments, encouraging industrial development and safeguarding communities vulnerable to environmental degradation.
