The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian 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 Oforji Oboku, who represents Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency.
Presenting the motion on Tuesday, Oboku warned that worsening shoreline erosion at the Eraskorp Industrial Park in Gbarain, Yenagoa Local Government Area, could jeopardise years of investment and delay a project expected to strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
He described the Eraskon Lubricants/Chemicals Blending Plant as a strategic private-sector investment aimed at reducing reliance on imported lubricants and chemical products while supporting industrialisation and economic diversification.
According to the lawmaker, the project includes a lubricant and chemical blending plant with a production capacity of 128,000 litres per day, an aerosol manufacturing facility and a carton production factory.
He said construction had reached an advanced stage before erosion damaged the site, forcing the dismantling of the Integrated Manufacturing Complex after its foundation piles and shoreline protection structures were compromised.
Oboku added that major process equipment had already been delivered, while the complex was about 75 per cent completed, with roofing and storage tank construction also nearing completion.
He warned that abandoning the project could cost more than 200 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect employment opportunities.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House urged the Nigerian government to direct the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to use the Ecological Fund for shoreline protection and erosion control works at the industrial park and nearby communities.
Lawmakers also mandated the House Committee on Ecological Fund to oversee implementation and report back within six weeks.