Oil-Rich Regions Demand Improved Infrastructure from Nigerian Government
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), representing the oil-rich South-South geopolitical zone, has criticized the Federal Government for its allocation of a recently approved N3.9 trillion road project. The forum asserts that the South-South region, a crucial contributor to Nigeria’s economy through its oil and gas resources, has once again been largely overlooked in the plan.
Socio-political leaders from the South-South zone are urging President Bola Tinubu to reassess the project allocations. They warn that the ongoing neglect of the Niger Delta only worsens existing infrastructure deficits and heightens feelings of marginalization in a region that generates the majority of the nation’s revenue.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, PANDEF National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Igali acknowledged the president’s focus on road infrastructure. However, he emphasized that the distribution of projects has not adhered to principles of fairness and equity.
Igali revealed that the South-South has effectively been excluded from 26 major highway projects across 15 states, with only one project—the Benue Cross River Road, valued at NOK 886 billion—being somewhat close to the region.
This situation has been described as “alarming” by Igali, who noted that none of the approved projects benefit the core states of the South-South, despite their significant economic contributions to the country. He expressed concerns that such exclusions reflect a longstanding neglect of the Niger Delta and undermine the federal government’s commitment to equitable national development.
Despite the South-South’s substantial contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas revenues, communities are experiencing deteriorating infrastructure and a pervasive lack of access due to aging road networks. Igali remarked that the recent Federal Executive Council meeting’s approval of N3.9 trillion for road projects has resulted in disproportionately little investment for the region, leaving it in a state of dire need.
Igali warned that the continued neglect of the South-South equates to jeopardizing the very foundation of the country’s economic wealth. He cautioned that this marginalization could lead to increasing discontent among the residents of the Niger Delta.
Additionally, Igali expressed frustration regarding the sluggish progress on the East-West Highway, highlighting it as a symbol of infrastructural failure despite previous assurances from the Federal Ministry of Engineering. Poor road conditions continue to impede movement and economic activity within the region.
PANDEF further lamented the neglect of major ports in Calabar, Onne, Port Harcourt, and Warri, noting the absence of visible plans for upgrades or modernization necessary for supporting economic growth. The forum argues that this neglect has significantly hampered the region’s development prospects, despite its vital role in generating national revenue.
Therefore, PANDEF is calling for an urgent intervention from President Tinubu to rectify the situation by ensuring the South-South receives equitable infrastructure allocation. The group stresses that balanced development across all geopolitical zones is essential for fostering national cohesion, sustainable economic growth, and long-term stability.
Despite these grievances, PANDEF reassured its commitment to supporting national development and reiterated its readiness to cultivate an environment conducive to increased oil and gas production, ultimately benefitting Nigeria’s economy. Igali concluded by urging the President to address these issues in a manner that honors the critical contributions of the Niger Delta.
