By George Ozalla
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has accused the Federal Government of marginalising the South South region in the distribution of recently approved road infrastructure projects valued at N3.9 trillion, describing the allocation as unfair and inconsistent with the region’s contribution to the nation’s economy.
The group expressed its dissatisfaction on Thursday during a press briefing in Abuja, where its National Chairman, Godknows Igali, addressed journalists alongside members of the organisation’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee.
Igali said while PANDEF welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing heavily in road infrastructure, the distribution of the projects failed to reflect fairness, equity and balanced national development.
According to him, the Federal Executive Council approved 26 major road projects across 15 states at a total cost of N3.9 trillion, but the South South was largely excluded from the list.
He noted that the only project linked to the region is the Benue-Cross River road project valued at N886 billion, arguing that it does not directly address the infrastructure needs of the core Niger Delta states.
“The South South has once again been grossly shortchanged,” Igali said.
He maintained that the neglect of the region’s road network has continued to isolate many communities and make movement across states difficult despite the area’s enormous contribution to Nigeria’s oil and gas production and national revenue.
PANDEF also expressed concern over the prolonged delay in completing the East-West Road, describing the highway as a symbol of failed federal infrastructure delivery in the Niger Delta.
The forum recalled repeated assurances by the Minister of Works that the project would be completed but said those promises had yet to translate into meaningful progress.
Beyond road infrastructure, the organisation accused the Federal Government of neglecting critical maritime facilities in the South South.
It listed the ports in Calabar, Onne, Port Harcourt and Warri as major national assets that have remained largely underutilised due to the absence of sustained rehabilitation, expansion and modernisation programmes.
PANDEF warned that the continued neglect of the Niger Delta was capable of worsening the sense of marginalisation among people of the region.
The group stated that inadequate federal investment over the years had continued to fuel concerns about unequal treatment despite the strategic role of the South South in sustaining Nigeria’s economy.
It urged President Bola Tinubu to review the allocation of federal infrastructure projects and ensure greater inclusion of the South South in future development plans.
According to the forum, the region deserves increased investment in recognition of its significant contribution to the country’s economic growth and energy sector.
Despite its criticism of the government’s infrastructure allocation, PANDEF reaffirmed the commitment of the Niger Delta to Nigeria’s economic stability.
The organisation pledged its continued support for efforts aimed at increasing oil and gas production while expressing hope that future federal infrastructure planning would be guided by the principles of fairness, equity and justice.
