The Forum’s General Assembly stated in a statement released following a meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers, that the Niger Delta was created to address particular issues about the region’s unique circumstances, its damaged environment, and its overall significance to the national economy.
PANDEF bemoaned the Ministry’s dissolution as a non-existent entity without giving adequate thought to the unique circumstances that gave rise to it or consulting the important parties involved.
Later, they called on the federal government to “discuss this issue further in order to address a number of particular issues, particularly at a time when the government is pursuing policies to drastically increase oil production.”
The proposed South-South Commission to complement current Federal Agencies is welcomed by the Assembly. Nonetheless, the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NÐDC) name ought to accurately represent its roles and membership.
Regarding issues unique to the Niger Delta, the Assembly urged the state governments to make the most of the 13% derivation’s proceeds to carry out the numerous vital programs.
These include the seven seaports that are now not in use in the region as well as highways like the East-West Highway.
“The Assembly urges the Federal Government to fix all damaged roads, finish the East-West Highway, start construction on the Calabar-Lagos railway, and establish a maritime mass transit system for the riverine regions of the Niger Delta to address the situation,” the statement continued.
In order to create money, jobs, and skills, PANDEF urged the state governments in the region to start large-scale industrialization projects. Among other things.
