NIDDEMOG warns erosion threatens Eraskon plant
The Niger Delta Development and Monitoring Group (NIDDEMOG) has urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to stop the shoreline erosion threatening the Eraskon Lubricants and Chemical Blending Plant and the Gbarain community in Bayelsa State.
The call followed an inspection of the site by a NIDDEMOG delegation led by its Executive Director, Chief Nengi James-Eriworio, OON, who described coastal erosion as one of the most serious environmental challenges facing communities across the Niger Delta.
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
The Niger Delta Development and Monitoring Group (NIDDEMOG) has urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to stop the shoreline erosion threatening the Eraskon Lubricants and Chemical Blending Plant and the Gbarain community in Bayelsa State.
The call followed an inspection of the site by a NIDDEMOG delegation led by its Executive Director, Chief Nengi James-Eriworio, OON, who described coastal erosion as one of the most serious environmental challenges facing communities across the Niger Delta.
James-Eriworio warned that the advancing shoreline poses a significant threat to critical infrastructure, economic investments and the livelihoods of residents in riverine communities.
He said the situation at the Eraskon plant underscores the need for coordinated intervention by the Federal Government, Bayelsa State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other relevant agencies.
The NIDDEMOG boss commended the House of Representatives for drawing national attention to the environmental threat through a motion calling for urgent government intervention.
He also praised the lawmaker representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Oboku Oforji, for raising the matter before the House, saying the move created an opportunity for authorities to act before the erosion causes irreversible damage.
James-Eriworio appealed for the immediate release of ecological intervention funds to protect the shoreline and safeguard the multi-million-naira industrial project.
He noted that the Eraskon Lubricants and Chemical Blending Plant, when fully operational, would generate employment, stimulate economic activities and increase government revenue.
He warned that delaying remedial measures could jeopardise the investment and deepen the socio-economic challenges facing the Gbarain community. James-Eriworio stressed that prompt intervention would protect lives, preserve the environment and secure the economic future of the affected community.
