Reps Urge FG to Protect Bayelsa Petrochemical Project

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government to deploy resources from the ecological fund to address shoreline erosion threatening the Eraskorp petrochemical project in Bayelsa State. The motion was sponsored by Oforji Oboku, representing the Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency.

Oboku warned that ongoing erosion at the Eraskorp Industrial Park in Gbarain could undermine years of investment and derail a project expected to boost Nigeria's manufacturing sector. The Eraskorp lubricating chemical blend plant is designed to reduce Nigeria's dependence on imported lubricating chemical products and is part of a broader agenda to diversify the economy.

The project is reportedly 75% complete, with significant equipment already procured. However, the erosion has caused extensive damage to the site, threatening its viability and the creation of approximately 200 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs.

The House mandated the Federal Government to utilize the ecological fund for shoreline protection and erosion control, with a report due within six weeks.