From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has tabled three demands that it wants the federal government to address in 2025.
PANDEF named the demands as addressing the persistent issue of environmental degradation, deplorable state of federal roads in the region and the under-representation of persons from the region in the management cadre of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Ltd, NNPCL,
A statement issued Tuesday by the National Chairman of the forum, Ambassador Godknows lgali, also demanded an early assent to the bill establishing the South-South Development Commission.
Igali added that the federal government should announce definite and measurable policies, programmes and steps that it plans to take in the comprehensive clean-up of the polluted Niger Delta ecosystem.
He demanded immediate declaration of a state of emergency on the deplorable state of federal highways in the region and the under- representation of qualified sons and daughters in top management positions in NNPCL.
The statement reads: “Nevertheless, we also take pride in the significant strides made toward progress, largely due to the tireless efforts of our leaders, elder statesmen and grassroots organizations, who continue to make deep personal sacrifices for the progress of our region.
“As we look ahead to 2025, the prospects for the Niger Delta are filled with promise and opportunities for greater peace and security, enhanced economic development, and political stability.
“However, it is essential that we do not rest on our oars because in spite of progress made, there remains much work to be done to bring the quality of life of the average Niger Deltan in line with the level of natural resources we are blessed with.
“Our region, despite contributing significantly to the nation’s wealth, continues to struggle at the very bottom of most of the recognized development indices and it is now time for us to redouble our efforts to ensure that the benefits of democracy and good governance get to every corner of our region.
“It is PANDEF’s top agenda to work tirelessly with our stakeholders to elevate the standard of living of our people, especially in our rural areas, most of which bear the brunt of disastrous environmental consequences of oil and gas extraction activities in the region.
“It is noteworthy that beyond oil and gas, we are fortunate to be blessed with abundant natural resources, fertile soil, and ideal climatic conditions conducive to large-scale agricultural production.
“Additionally, our extensive coast and shorelines present immense potentials to underpin a globally competitive blue-economy industry covering areas such as fisheries, silicon from river sand, sea salt industries, mining of rare coral deposits, mangrove roots for water desalination, water-based mud for drilling operations, miles of sandy waterfront for tourism, beaches, marine sports and coastal transportation.”
The group said to realise these lofty goals would required the collective efforts of all stakeholders up and down the leadership chain, with a very effective cross-sector collaboration from the National Assembly members to the state governors and the local governments, including the intervention agencies.
