The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the South-South Development Commission Bill into law, a landmark step that the group believes will significantly contribute to the growth and development of the region.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, by PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, the group described the signing of the bill as both historic and crucial for the South-South region of Nigeria. The bill’s passage, which comes after a swift legislative process by the National Assembly, is seen as a major victory for the people of the region, long impacted by numerous developmental and environmental challenges.
“This singular action has boosted the confidence of our people in the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering even regional development across Nigeria,” PANDEF stated. The forum added that the bill’s signing is a clear sign of the government’s determination to address the South-South’s unique social, environmental, and developmental concerns.
The South-South region, which includes states such as Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Edo, is one of Nigeria’s key economic powerhouses due to its vast oil and gas reserves. However, the region has also faced numerous challenges, including environmental degradation, infrastructure deficits, and social inequality. These issues have long hindered the region’s full development despite its significant contribution to the national economy.
PANDEF praised the Federal Government for this timely intervention, calling it an essential move in the right direction. The forum stressed that while the South-South region plays a central role in Nigeria’s economy, it has not enjoyed commensurate benefits in terms of infrastructural development and environmental protection.
One of the key concerns raised by PANDEF was the need for competent and experienced leadership for the newly established commission. The forum urged President Tinubu to appoint qualified individuals to lead the South-South Development Commission, ensuring that the commission complements the efforts of state governments in driving sustainable and inclusive development in the region.
PANDEF’s statement underscored the need for the commission to take on a comprehensive approach, addressing the long-standing issues of oil spills, gas flaring, deforestation, and other forms of environmental damage caused by decades of oil exploration. The environmental degradation in the Niger Delta has been a source of concern for years, with many communities suffering from the devastating effects of pollution, loss of livelihood, and health issues linked to the oil industry.
In addition to environmental remediation, PANDEF emphasized the urgent need for infrastructural development in the South-South region. Poor roads, inadequate healthcare facilities, lack of educational resources, and limited access to essential services remain major obstacles to development in the region. According to PANDEF, the newly established commission should prioritize these issues, working in partnership with state governments and other stakeholders to bring much-needed infrastructure to the area.
In its statement, PANDEF also made a direct appeal to President Tinubu to intervene in the political situation in Rivers State. The group raised concerns over the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State Assembly, which has led to political instability in the state. PANDEF called for the immediate reinstatement of the affected officials, citing widespread dissatisfaction and unrest among the people of Rivers State regarding the suspensions.
The political crisis in Rivers State has drawn attention to the need for the federal government to play an active role in ensuring the stability and democratic process in all states, especially in the South-South. PANDEF’s call for intervention reflects the growing concerns over the political climate in the region and the potential impact on the South-South’s development efforts.
Despite these concerns, PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the Federal Government to foster peace, stability, and sustainable development in the South-South region. The forum has consistently advocated for the interests of the Niger Delta people and has called for greater attention to the region’s unique needs, especially regarding oil-related environmental issues and the promotion of local economic opportunities.
The creation of the South-South Development Commission is seen as a significant step in addressing these issues, as it is expected to focus on long-term solutions for the region’s development. The commission will likely play a vital role in formulating policies and initiatives that cater to the region’s specific needs, from environmental protection and job creation to healthcare and education.
As the South-South Development Commission begins its work, all eyes will be on the Federal Government to see how it implements the commission’s mandate. For PANDEF and the people of the South-South, this represents a crucial moment for real change and the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s development.
With the establishment of the commission, there is hope that the South-South region will experience improved conditions, from better living standards to greater economic opportunities. PANDEF believes that with strong leadership and effective implementation of policies, the commission will help bridge the development gap that has long existed in the region.
While the passage of the South-South Development Commission Bill has been welcomed, PANDEF has also stressed the need for continued collaboration with other key stakeholders, including local governments, businesses, and civil society organizations, to ensure that the region’s development is holistic and inclusive.
As the South-South Development Commission gets ready to take off, the focus will now shift to the practical steps that need to be taken to address the region’s pressing issues. PANDEF’s gratitude toward President Tinubu’s signing of the bill reflects the growing optimism among South-South communities that positive change is possible through concerted government action.
