By Onome Oghenetega
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has charged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on the deplorable condition of federal highway across the oil-producing states of the Niger Delta region.
PANDEF, apex socio-political group in the region, also appealed to President Tinubu to give assent to the Bill on Establishment of South South Development Commission to fast-track the development of the region like others.
This was contained in a New Year message issued by the National Chairman of PANDEF, Amb. Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The body expressed that there was need for the federal government to immediately declare state of emergency on federal roads in the region, adding that the state of roads connecting the states are not befitting of the contributions of the region to the nation’s economy.
PANDEF also demanded President Tinubu to address to the under-representation of the region into management positions in the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its subsidiaries in the oil and gas sector.
The statement posits that, “However, there are pressing issues that require immediate attention. We therefore earnestly call on Mr. President to seriously consider and address the following concerns of the region:
“The early accent of the Bill on Establishment of South South Development Commission, which will, as expected bring the area at par with the other geopolitical zones.
“Definite measurable policies, programmes and steps to effect environmental remediation beginning with the comprehensive cleanup of the much polluted Niger Delta ecosystem.
Immediate declaration of a state of emergency over the deplorable state of the federal highway network in the region.
“Address the current gross under-representation of qualified sons and daughters of the Niger Delta in critical top management positions in the NNPCL, its subsidiaries, and the oil and gas industry in general.”
While felicitating with Nigerians on the 2025 New Year celebrations, noted that the region has witness some progress, but demanded for the rapid development of the region in the New Year.
“Looking back at 2024, we reflect on a year marked by notable achievements, despite some challenges that continue to confront our region. These challenges include the persistent issue of environmental degradation, the terrible state of the network of federal highways linking the region, and the painful loss of some of our esteemed leaders.
“Nevertheless, we also take pride in the significant strides made toward progress, largely due to the tireless efforts of our leaders , elder statesmen and grassroots organizations, who continue to make deep personal sacrifices for the progress of our region.
“We especially commend the outstanding commitment and leadership provided by our elected officials , beginning with our six state Governors of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers and including our National Assembly members ably led by the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, not forgetting our State Assemblies across the region.
“Their collective unwavering dedication to fostering economic, social, and infrastructural development in the South-South zone is worthy of recognition. Also worthy of due recognition is the impressive performance of the current Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) team, under the capable leadership of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, with the successful commissioning of such highly impactful projects as the community wide solar-powered street lighting initiative spread across all the NDDC States.
“By any measure, the region has seen remarkable progress, particularly in the face of daunting challenges like the waterlogged terrain, frequent flooding, and unpredictable weather patterns that affect many of our developmental efforts
“As we look ahead to 2025, the prospects for the Niger Delta are filled with promise and opportunities for greater peace and security, enhanced economic development, and political stability. However, it is essential that we do not rest on our oars because in spite of progress made, there remains much work to be done to bring the quality of life of the average Niger Deltan in line with the level of natural resources we are blessed with.
“Our region, despite contributing significantly to the nation’s wealth, continues to struggle at the very bottom of most of the recognized development indices and it is now time for us to redouble our efforts to ensure that the benefits of democracy and good governance get to every corner of our region”, the statement further added.
