PANDEF Calls for State of Emergency on Niger Delta Roads

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently declare a state of emergency on the dilapidated federal highways connecting the oil-producing states of the Niger Delta. In a New Year message issued by PANDEF’s National Chairman, Amb. Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, on Thursday in Port Harcourt, the group expressed deep concern over the worsening condition of the region’s road infrastructure, which they argue does not reflect the region’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

PANDEF stressed that the deteriorating state of federal highways in the Niger Delta has become a major impediment to development and poses a serious threat to the lives and livelihoods of the people. The body emphasized that the poor state of these roads is not only affecting daily commuters but also hindering economic activities that are vital to the region’s growth.

In addition to this, PANDEF called on President Tinubu to give his assent to the Bill on the Establishment of the South-South Development Commission, stressing that such a commission would serve to fast-track the region’s development, aligning it with other geopolitical zones in the country. The forum believes that the establishment of the commission is crucial to addressing the historical neglect of the Niger Delta and ensuring that the region is brought up to the same developmental standards as other areas of Nigeria.

PANDEF also reiterated the need for urgent action on environmental remediation in the Niger Delta, beginning with the comprehensive cleanup of the heavily polluted ecosystem. The group pointed out that environmental degradation caused by decades of oil exploration and neglect continues to be a major challenge for the region, affecting both the health and livelihood of the people.

Another critical issue raised by PANDEF was the under-representation of Niger Delta citizens in top management positions within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and its subsidiaries. Despite the region being the source of Nigeria’s oil wealth, PANDEF noted that qualified sons and daughters of the region remain significantly underrepresented in key roles within the oil and gas sector.

While acknowledging some progress made in the past year, PANDEF emphasized that more needs to be done to address the region’s infrastructural and developmental challenges. The forum commended the leadership of the governors of the six Niger Delta states—Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers—as well as the National Assembly members and state assemblies for their continued dedication to the region’s development.

Particular praise was given to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), under the leadership of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for its impactful projects, including the commissioning of solar-powered street lighting initiatives across all NDDC states. Despite the region’s difficult terrain and environmental challenges, these efforts have brought some positive change.

As the region looks ahead to 2025, PANDEF expressed optimism about the future but stressed that significant work remains to be done. The forum urged the federal government to prioritize the Niger Delta, ensuring that the benefits of the nation’s wealth are more evenly distributed.