At the last Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) meeting in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, the group stepped up its appeals for more development and necessary changes in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
The governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, hosted the event, which had as its theme “Fostering Peace and Unity for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta.” Notable individuals like King Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah were among the attendees, along with other prominent leaders from the six South-South states.
The PANDEF Board of Trustees is co-chaired by Attah, who, along with past governors, defense chiefs, royal dignitaries, and other prominent figures, emphasized the Niger Delta’s vital role as Nigeria’s “economic heart” while pointing out urgent problems that still hinder its progress.
According to a statement signed by HE King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, HE Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, HE Dr. Godknows B. Igali, National Chairman, Hon. Godwin Okotie, Ag. National Secretary, Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Christopher Ominimini, National Spokesman, PANDEF, the region is still underdeveloped and polluted even though oil and gas have made a substantial contribution to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
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PANDEF denounced the federal government’s disregard for the Niger Delta’s vital infrastructure, particularly the abandoned seaports and the decaying East-West highway.
They did, however, demand that the East-West Highway be finished, that urgent repairs be made, and that a Calabar-Lagos railway and maritime mass transit system be established in order to improve regional connectivity.
Although the oil and gas industry is a sector that operates in the Niger Delta but is controlled by outside parties, PANDEF encouraged the government to allow Niger Delta investors to participate more in this sector.
Niger Delta stakeholders were urged to take advantage of these new economic prospects, and the assembly praised the African Energy Bank’s initiative to finance oil, gas, and green energy projects.
However, the forum was shocked by the recent closure of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, as the assembly emphasized the importance of the ministry’s specific purpose in tackling the region’s particular problems.
In order to improve regional development, PANDEF promised to support a planned South-South Commission and pushed for federal consultations to address revitalizing the ministry.
The Niger Delta’s industrial and agricultural development was also envisioned by PANDEF, which suggested that state governments allocate 20% of their yearly budgets to these sectors, increase educational spending to 25% in accordance with UNESCO guidelines, and offer free education at all levels. Additionally, the forum supported efforts to promote innovation through cooperative research and knowledge-sharing.
Additionally, a new high-level peace and reconciliation committee was formed to manage conflicts inside the Niger Delta and foster community harmony. Obong Victor Attah is the group’s leader.
As a result, the forum established a new National Executive Committee under the direction of Ambassador Godknows Igali. It concluded by thanking the Rivers State Government for its hospitality and dedication to a united and thriving Niger Delta.
The assembly reaffirmed its commitment to enacting significant reforms in order to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for the Niger Delta, highlighting the region’s pressing need for equitable development, resource management, and federal cooperation to address its particular needs and environmental challenges.
