Chief Edwin K. Clark, a prominent leader in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, is calling on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on the roads in the South-South region.
In a heartfelt open letter, Clark highlighted the urgent need for the federal government to address the deteriorating conditions of vital roads in the region.
The South-South is Nigeria’s primary source of revenue due to its oil production. Yet, Clark argues, the region has been neglected for far too long despite its significant contribution to the country’s economy.
“These roads are no longer passable,” Clark wrote. “They are death traps. Yet, this region, which supplies billions to the nation, suffers in silence.”
Clark specifically mentioned several roads in desperate need of repair.
The Benin-Auchi Road, a major route for travelers, used to take just two and a half hours to cover. Today, it takes over seven hours.
The Sapele-Warri Road, a short 30-minute drive, now takes more than two hours.
Even the Uyo-Itu-Calabar Road, which stretches for only 90 kilometers, has become an excruciating six-hour journey.
Clark also pointed to the Port Harcourt-Owerri Road, which has seen travel times double to four hours due to its poor condition.
Clark lamented that the slow progress on the East-West Road, a crucial route connecting the South-South region, has made it increasingly difficult for contractors to handle the project due to the tough terrain.
“These roads are vital for the survival of the people and economy of the region,” he stressed. “It is unimaginable that a region producing billions in revenue daily is burdened by impassable roads.”
Clark called on President Tinubu to prioritize the Niger Delta in the upcoming 2025 budget, allocating significant resources to fix these crumbling roads.
“Mr. President, this is a chance to demonstrate fairness to the people of the South-South,” Clark said. “By declaring this a state of emergency, you can write your name in gold in Nigeria’s history.”
The leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) emphasized that the state of the roads is an emergency, not just for the region, but for the entire country.
He believes addressing the road crisis will significantly improve the living conditions of millions of Nigerians and boost the national economy.
“There is no way the economy will thrive with roads in this condition,” Clark warned. “The federal government must act swiftly before the situation gets worse.”
For years, the South-South has struggled with poor infrastructure, despite the immense wealth generated from its oil fields.
The region’s key roads serve as vital lifelines for both people and goods. Yet, the ongoing neglect has led to dire consequences for local communities.
Local residents, commuters, and businesses have all felt the impact of the bad roads, which have resulted in longer travel times, higher transportation costs, and increased accidents.
Businesses in the region are particularly affected, as delayed shipments of goods and services harm their profitability.
In his open letter, Clark stressed that the current state of the roads undermines national development.
He pointed out that the lack of reliable infrastructure has made it difficult for people in the South-South to access essential services, including healthcare and education.
“We cannot continue like this,” Clark wrote. “The federal government must step in and make a change. The people of the South-South deserve better.”
The call for urgent action comes at a time when public pressure on the government to deliver on infrastructure promises is at an all-time high.
