馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
House of Representatives urges Federal Government to address erosion threatening Bayelsa petrochemical project
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to use the Ecological Fund to combat shoreline erosion endangering a significant indigenous petrochemical investment in Bayelsa State. This appeal followed a motion by Oforji Oboku, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, who highlighted the threat to the Eraskorp Industrial Park in Gbarain, Yenagoa Local Government Area. The Eraskon Lubricants/Chemicals Blending Plant, a private-sector initiative, aims to reduce Nigeria's reliance on imported lubricants and chemical products, supporting industrialization and economic diversification. The facility, which includes a lubricant and chemical blending plant with a 128,000 liters per day production capacity, an aerosol manufacturing plant, and a carton production factory, had reached an advanced stage of construction before erosion caused severe damage. Oboku noted that the Integrated Manufacturing Complex building, 75 percent complete, had to be dismantled due to foundation destruction, and most process equipment is already on site. Abandoning the project would have significant economic consequences, including the loss of over 200 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs, and would hinder growth for small and medium-scale enterprises. The House mandated its Committee on Ecological Fund to oversee the implementation of the resolution and report back within six weeks.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council PEBEC announced it will provide body cameras to truckers and freight forwarders operating along the Apapa and Tin-Can port corridors. This initiative aims to gather evidence against officials involved in extortion at illegal checkpoints, as previous enforcement efforts were hampered by a lack of footage. Zahrah Audu, Director-General of PEBEC, stated that the cameras are part of a broader strategy, which includes stakeholder sensitization and the establishment of clearly marked legal checkpoints with QR codes linking to the ReportGov escalation portal. The council plans to prosecute those found engaging in rent-seeking or malpractice. PEBEC is also working to reduce Nigeria's average cargo dwell time from 21 days to seven days, implementing measures such as joint cargo inspections, a shift to scanner-based processes, and the National Single Window digital platform. Additionally, the Nigerian Ports Authority is developing a unified access pass system to prevent unauthorized access and curb extortion networks. Audu acknowledged the need for more support for informal sector businesses and announced an upcoming initiative called Enable Her to assist them with formalization and scaling.
Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa retd., announced his intention to take legal action against individuals circulating rumors of his resignation. Following a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, Musa stated he was "shocked" by the reports and denied any plans to resign. He described the rumors as a deliberate attempt to undermine public confidence in the administration's improving security record. Musa clarified that his meeting with the President was a routine security briefing, during which President Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the military's performance. He also called for continued civilian cooperation with security forces to combat terrorism and banditry, highlighting that such support has been massive and is contributing to improving security.
President Bola Tinubu has extended congratulations to Andy Burnham on his assumption of office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, President Tinubu expressed confidence that Prime Minister Burnham's administration would deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen the strategic partnership between Nigeria and the UK. The President also felicitated with the Government and people of the United Kingdom on their peaceful leadership transition, reflecting the strength of their democratic institutions. Tinubu recalled his productive engagement with the immediate past British Prime Minister during his Official Visit to the United Kingdom in March 2026 and expressed optimism that Prime Minister Burnham would build on these achievements. He looks forward to engaging with the new British leader through bilateral and multilateral platforms, particularly under the Commonwealth, to advance the interests of both countries. The Federal Government of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining close ties with the UK and wished Prime Minister Andy Burnham a successful tenure, assuring him of Nigeria's readiness to work closely with his administration on shared priorities and global challenges. Nigeria and the United Kingdom have longstanding diplomatic, political, and economic relations dating back to Nigeria鈥檚 independence in 1960, with the UK remaining a key trading and