At its latest assembly in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) stepped up its efforts for more development and necessary changes in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
Distinguished leaders from the six South-South states, along with prominent individuals like King Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, attended the event, which had as its theme “Fostering Peace and Unity for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta.” Rivers State governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara hosted the event.
Along with previous governors, defense chiefs, royal dignitaries, and other powerful voices, Attah, who co-chairs the PANDEF Board of Trustees, emphasized the Niger Delta’s vital role as Nigeria’s “economic heart” while pointing out urgent problems that still impede its development.
Despite making a substantial contribution to Nigeria’s economic prosperity through oil and gas, the region is still underdeveloped and beset by pollution, according to a statement signed by HE King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees, HE Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees, HE Dr. Godknows B. Igali, National Chairman, Hon. Godwin Okotie, Ag. National Secretary, Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Christopher Ominimini, National Spokesman, PANDEF.
PANDEF denounced the Federal Government’s disregard for vital Niger Delta infrastructure, particularly the dilapidated East-West route and idle seaports.
To improve connectivity in the area, they demanded urgent repairs, the completion of the East-West Highway, the start of a Calabar-Lagos railway, and the establishment of a maritime mass transit system.
However, PANDEF encouraged the government to allow more Niger Delta investors to participate in the oil and gas business, which is a sector that operates in their backyard but is controlled by outside parties.
The assembly urged Niger Delta stakeholders to take advantage of these new economic prospects and praised the African Energy Bank’s initiative to finance oil, gas, and green energy projects.
The assembly claimed that the ministry’s specific mandate is essential for tackling the region’s particular problems, therefore the forum was shocked by the recent closure of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
PANDEF promised support for a new South-South Commission to improve regional development and pushed for federal consultations to address revitalizing the ministry.
In a similar vein, PANDEF presented a vision for the industrial and agricultural development of the Niger Delta, recommending 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. In order to promote innovation, the forum also supported cooperative research and knowledge-sharing projects.
To further foster harmony among communities and settle conflicts within the Niger Delta, a new high-level peace and reconciliation committee was formed under the leadership of Obong Victor Attah.
The conference concluded by thanking the Rivers State Government for its hospitality and dedication to a united, flourishing Niger Delta. As a result, a new National Executive Committee headed by Ambassador Godknows Igali was established.
In order to address its particular needs and environmental challenges, the assembly emphasized the urgent need for equitable development, resource control, and federal collaboration. The assembly also remained resolute in its mission to drive meaningful reforms, with the goal of ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the Niger Delta.
