The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has intensified the calls for essential reforms and increased development in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria at the recent assembly of the forum held in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
The event, themed “Fostering Peace and Unity for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta,” was hosted by Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and attended by distinguished leaders from the six states of the South-South zone, as well as notable figures such as King Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah.
Attah, who co-chairs the PANDEF Board of Trustees, alongside former governors, defence leaders, royal dignitaries, and other influential voices emphasised Niger Delta’s crucial role as Nigeria’s “economic heart” while highlighting pressing issues that continue to stymie its development.
In a release signed by HE King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees, HE Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees, HE Dr Godknows B. Igali, National Chairman, Hon Godwin Okotie, Ag. National Secretary, Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Christopher Ominimini, National Spokesman, PANDEF declared that despite contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic wealth through oil and gas, the region remains underdeveloped and plagued by pollution.
PANDEF condemned the Federal Government’s neglect of essential infrastructure in the Niger Delta, specifically the deteriorating East-West highway and inactive seaports.
However, they called for immediate repairs, a completed East-West Highway, and the initiation of a Calabar-Lagos railway and maritime mass transit system to enhance connectivity in the region.
While PANDEF urged the government to enable greater participation of Niger Delta investors in the oil and gas industry, a sector operating in their backyard yet dominated by external entities.
The assembly applauded the African Energy Bank initiative for financing oil, gas, and green energy projects and encouraged Niger Delta stakeholders to engage with these new economic opportunities.
The forum, however, expressed dismay at the recent dissolution of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, as the assembly asserted that the ministry’s targeted mandate is vital for addressing the region’s unique challenges.
PANDEF advocated for federal consultations to discuss reviving the ministry and pledged support for a proposed South-South Commission to enhance regional development.
Similarly, PANDEF outlined a vision for the Niger Delta’s industrial and agricultural growth, as they recommended state governments commit 20% of annual budgets to industry and agriculture, boost educational spending to 25% following UNESCO standards, and provide tuition-free education across all levels. The forum also endorsed collaborative research and knowledge-sharing initiatives to foster innovation.
More also, a new high-level peace and reconciliation committee was established, led by Obong Victor Attah, to mediate disputes within the Niger Delta and promote unity among communities.
Consequently, the forum inaugurated a new National Executive Committee, led by Ambassador Godknows Igali, while closing the event by extending gratitude to the Rivers State Government for its hospitality and commitment to a unified, prosperous Niger Delta.
The assembly underscored the region’s urgent need for equitable development, resource control, and federal collaboration to address its unique needs and environmental challenges by remaining steadfast in its mission to drive meaningful reforms, aiming for a sustainable and prosperous future for the Niger Delta.
