As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has decried the continued neglect of critical infrastructure in the oil-rich region, warning that the nation’s economic future will remain constrained unless urgent attention is given to long-abandoned projects.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all Nigerians on the milestone, while extending warm wishes to the South-South states.
But it stressed that beyond celebration, the anniversary should awaken the government to its responsibilities toward the region that sustains the nation’s economy.
“This milestone anniversary offers us yet another opportunity to reflect on the journey of our nationhood.
We urge governments at all levels to show greater determination and respect for rule of law in consolidating democracy, pursuing meaningful economic reforms, and confronting the challenges of insecurity, poverty, hunger, and youth unemployment that continue to weigh heavily on our people.”the forum said
PANDEF particularly underscored the state of infrastructure in the Niger Delta, citing the East-West Road, the Benin–Auchi Road, and the Benin–Warri Road as glaring symbols of decades of neglect.
It also urged the revitalization of southern ports in Port Harcourt, Calabar, Onne, and Warri.
“If Nigeria is to fully harness its economic potential, the lingering neglect of the Niger Delta must be decisively addressed,” the group warned.
While saluting the governors of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, and Rivers States for what it described as “sterling leadership and unwavering commitment to development,”
PANDEF reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with both federal and state governments to ensure the region receives its due attention.
The group concluded with a call for sober reflection and bold governance, stressing that Nigeria at 65 must go beyond rhetoric to concrete action.
