The Pan-Niger Delta Forum has voiced strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s decision to dissolve the Ministry of Niger Delta.
PANDEF, led by elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark, released a statement on Sunday after a recent meeting in Port Harcourt, expressing concern over the impact this move could have on the region’s unique needs and the environment.
According to PANDEF’s statement, the Ministry of Niger Delta was established specifically to address the area’s “damaged environment and its overall importance to the national economy.”
The group noted that dissolving the ministry without consulting key stakeholders in the Niger Delta ignored the specific circumstances that led to the ministry’s creation.
“PANDEF, therefore, calls on the federal government to further discuss this matter with a view to addressing several specific concerns, especially at a time when the government is pursuing policies to radically increase oil production,” the group stated.
While PANDEF welcomed the idea of a South-South Commission, it suggested that the Niger Delta Development Commission should have a name that truly reflects its mission and includes all members of the Niger Delta region.
PANDEF also urged state governments in the region to use revenues from the 13% oil derivation fund to tackle vital regional projects, such as improving roads and developing riverine transportation.
The group’s demands included repairing all failing roads in the Niger Delta, completing the East-West Highway, starting the Calabar-Lagos railway, and creating a maritime transit system for riverine communities.
This decision by the Tinubu administration follows the Federal Executive Council’s announcement to dissolve not only the Ministry of Niger Delta but also the Ministry of Sports Development.
PANDEF’s call aligns with a recent Senate bill sponsored by Senator Ekpeyong Asuquo, proposing the establishment of the South-South Development Commission to address similar regional concerns.
