The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, has called on the Federal Government to address what he described as the continued marginalisation of the South-South in the allocation of critical infrastructure projects, insisting that the oil-rich region deserves greater investment in recognition of its immense contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, PANDEF national leader, Godknows Igali expressed concern over the outcome of the recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, where about ₦3.9 trillion was approved for road infrastructure projects across the country.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the Federal Executive Council for prioritising infrastructure development, PANDEF maintained that the South-South was once again left with an insignificant share of the projects despite being Nigeria’s economic backbone.
According to the forum, the list of 26 major road projects covering 15 states contains only one project with any proximity to the South-South—a road linking Benue State and Cross River State, valued at about ₦86 billion while no major federal road traversing the core Niger Delta states received approval.
Igali described the development as “troubling and shocking,” noting that years of inadequate investment in transport infrastructure have left communities across the Niger Delta poorly connected and have continued to hamper economic activities within the region.
He said the situation has worsened the infrastructural deficit in the South-South, where residents still struggle with dilapidated roads despite the region’s enormous contribution to national revenue through oil and gas production.
The PANDEF chairman also lamented the slow progress on the East-West Road, describing the project as a symbol of unfulfilled promises despite repeated assurances by the Federal Ministry of Works that construction would be accelerated.
Beyond the road network, the forum expressed concern over what it described as the neglect of key maritime infrastructure in the Niger Delta, citing the near abandonment of Calabar Port, Onne Port, Port Harcourt Port, and Warri Port, with no visible plans for their rehabilitation, modernisation or expansion.
According to PANDEF, the persistent neglect of the region amounts to “starving the goose that lays the golden egg,” warning that continued underinvestment risks deepening feelings of alienation and disenchantment among the people of the Niger Delta.
The forum urged President Tinubu to intervene by reviewing the allocation of federal infrastructure projects to ensure that the South-South receives a fair share of national development initiatives, stressing that equitable distribution of projects is essential for balanced national growth and unity.
PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to grow the economy, assuring Nigerians that the people of the Niger Delta would continue to provide a peaceful and enabling environment for increased oil and gas production.
Igali said the region remains committed to contributing to Nigeria’s economic development but expects greater fairness, equity and justice in the distribution of infrastructure projects, particularly given its strategic role as the nation’s primary revenue base.
