The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to take urgent measures to address shoreline erosion threatening communities and a major industrial investment in Bayelsa State.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the lawmaker representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Oboku Oforji, over the erosion affecting the Eraskorp Industrial Park in Gbarain, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Moving the motion, Oforji warned that the erosion had caused significant damage to the industrial site, threatening an indigenous investment expected to contribute to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
The affected facility, known as the Eraskon Lubricants/Chemicals Blending Plant, is designed to manufacture lubricants and chemical products locally, reducing the country’s dependence on imported alternatives.
According to the lawmaker, the project includes a lubricant and chemical blending plant with a production capacity of 128,000 litres daily, alongside an aerosol manufacturing plant and a carton production factory.
He explained that construction had progressed considerably before the erosion damaged the site, exposing and destroying foundation piles and shoreline protection structures.
Oforji disclosed that the Integrated Manufacturing Complex had reached approximately 75 per cent completion before the damage forced the dismantling of part of the structure. Roofing work had reached about 40 per cent completion, while the base oil storage tanks were approximately 70 per cent completed.
The lawmaker warned that failure to protect the facility could undermine the investment and affect its expected contribution to employment and economic development.
He said the project was projected to create more than 200 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect employment opportunities upon completion. It is also expected to support small and medium-scale enterprises, increase government revenue and strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity.
Following deliberations, the House urged the Federal Government to direct the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to utilise resources from the Ecological Fund for shoreline protection and erosion control at the industrial park and surrounding areas.
The lawmakers also mandated the House Committee on Ecological Fund to facilitate the implementation of the resolution and report back within six weeks for further legislative action.
Shoreline erosion remains a challenge in several parts of the Niger Delta, where environmental degradation and coastal encroachment threaten homes, infrastructure, livelihoods and economic investments.
The House’s resolution highlights the need for intervention to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further damage to infrastructure and businesses in the affected areas.
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