Fix Niger Delta’s Decaying Infrastructure, PANDEF Urges FG!

Reported by Marian opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has sounded an alarm over the deteriorating state of infrastructure in the Niger Delta, calling on the Federal Government to take immediate action to reverse neglect that continues to hamper the region.

Key Demands & Concerns

• At its Special Assembly in Port Harcourt, PANDEF condemned the persistent neglect of critical projects such as the East‑West Highway, dilapidated roads, nonfunctional seaports, and neglected bridges. [1]
• The forum also pushed for the revival of inactive ports and the development of maritime mass transit and Calabar‑Lagos railway to improve connectivity in the coastal zones. [1]
• PANDEF lamented the region’s continued economic underdevelopment despite its pivotal role in Nigeria’s oil and gas production. [2] Earlier Advocacy & Related Calls
• In 2024, PANDEF had urged the Minister of Regional Development to prioritize NDDC projects and road repairs across several highways, including Delta‑Benin Road and Uyo‑Calabar Road. [3]
• The forum has also called for modular refineries in the Delta to address illegal crude refining and create employment, linking infrastructure decay to socioeconomic decline in the region. [4]
• PANDEF has publicly opposed the scrapping of the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs without stakeholder consultation, insisting the region’s unique needs require institutional focus. [5] What’s at Stake & Next Steps
• PANDEF warned that continued neglect risks increased social unrest, delays in oil production, and further economic disenfranchisement of Niger Delta communities.
• It urged the Tinubu administration to restore and fund critical infrastructure projects, re-engage stakeholders, and revive the constitutional role of agencies like the NDDC.
• Civil society groups and regional governments may use this advocacy to pressure the National Assembly and ministries to prioritize the Delta in the 2026–2027 budget cycle.

Citations:

1. ThisDayLive: www.thisdaylive.com/2024/10/27/calls-for-infrastructure-renewal-oil-and-gas-equity-echo-at-pandef-special-assembly/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2024/10/pandefs-special-assembly-calls-for-infrastructure-revitalization-equity-in-oil-gas/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2024/11/pandef-urges-momoh-to-prioritise-nddc-projects/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Blueprint: blueprint.ng/pandef-calls-for-modular-refineries-laments-rising-poverty-in-niger-delta-2/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. Information Nigeria: www.informationng.com/2024/10/pandef-condemns-scrapping-of-niger-delta-ministry-says-critical-stakeholders-werent-consulted.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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