Niger Delta Roads Now National Emergency, PANDEF Tells Tinubu - The Guardian Nigeria News

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the deplorable condition of roads across the South-South, warning that the region’s deteriorating road network has reached the level of a national emergency.

PANDEF made the call in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Amb. Godknows Igali, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The forum congratulated Tinubu, the Federal Government and Nigerians on the anniversary, while commending governors and other leaders in the South-South for their contributions to infrastructure, human welfare and social development.

However, PANDEF said the deteriorating infrastructure in the Niger Delta could no longer be treated as a regional concern.

“The question of infrastructure in the Niger Delta, especially the road network, has reached a proportion of national emergency,” the forum said.

It urged the Federal Government to give greater attention to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of critical roads across the region.

PANDEF said the poor road network was particularly concerning given the geographical challenges confronting the six South-South states, many parts of which are waterlogged.

The forum also commended the Niger Delta Development Commission, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority and Presidential Amnesty Programme for their contributions to development in the region.

Beyond infrastructure, PANDEF demanded renewed Federal Government action on the environmental crisis in the Niger Delta.

It said communities across the region had endured the effects of oil pollution and gas flaring for decades and urged the government to place environmental remediation on the front burner.

According to the forum, the environmental degradation caused by decades of oil exploration requires sustained intervention to restore affected communities and protect the region for future generations.

PANDEF also praised South-South governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youths for their contributions to maintaining peace and progress in the region.

The forum called on Nigerians to continue praying for the unity, peace and development of the country.

It quoted the Bible, saying, “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain.”

PANDEF wished Nigerians peace and progress as the country marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.