The Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give greater attention to the South-South in the allocation of federal road infrastructure projects.
PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, made the call at a news conference in Abuja.
Ambassador Igali said the region was largely overlooked in the recent approvals by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
He applauded the Federal Government’s approval of about N3.9 trillion for road projects across the country but expressed disappointment that the South-South received little attention.
He noted that the Benue-Cross River Road, valued at N886 billion, was the only major project close to the Niger Delta region.
“We commend the Federal Government for approving massive investments in road infrastructure across the country. However, we are concerned that the South-South region received very little attention in the distribution of these projects,” Igali said.
The PANDEF Chairman described the development as unfair, considering the strategic role of the Niger Delta in Nigeria’s economy and its contribution to national revenue through oil and gas production.
“The Niger Delta remains the economic backbone of Nigeria. It is only fair that the region receives adequate investment in critical infrastructure that supports its people and the nation’s economy,” he added.
The PANDEF chairman urged the Federal Government to fast-track the completion of the East-West Road, describing it as a major economic corridor essential for transportation, trade and oil and gas operations across the region.
“The East-West Road is too important to be delayed. Completing the project will improve movement of people and goods, boost economic activities and enhance national productivity,” he said.
Igali also called for the rehabilitation, modernisation and expansion of the ports in Calabar, Onne Port, Port Harcourt and Warri to improve trade, create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s transport and logistics network.
He appealed to President Tinubu to review the allocation of infrastructure projects to ensure fairness and balanced development across all regions of the country.
“Our appeal is for equity and inclusiveness. We believe future infrastructure planning should reflect the importance of the South-South to Nigeria’s economic growth,” he said.
Ambassador Igali reaffirmed the commitment of the people of the Niger Delta to maintaining peace and stability, assuring that the region would continue to support increased oil and gas production for the benefit of the country’s economy.
“The people of the Niger Delta remain committed to peace and to creating an environment that supports higher oil and gas production for national development,” he stated.
