The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has strongly condemned the Federal Government for allegedly sidelining the South-South region in the distribution of the newly approved ₦3.9 trillion road infrastructure fund, warning that the exclusion could worsen feelings of alienation in the oil-rich region.
During a joint press conference held in Abuja on Friday, PANDEF’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee expressed deep disappointment over the lopsided distribution of the massive infrastructure budget.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved ₦3.9 trillion dedicated to 26 major road projects. Despite spanning 15 states across the federation, the approved projects reportedly offer virtually no significant allocation to the South-South.
Leadership warned that continued infrastructural neglect of the zone that fuels the nation’s economy could trigger severe resentment and deepen the sense of marginalisation among its people.
PANDEF leaders argued that it is fundamentally unfair for the region that generates the bulk of Nigeria’s revenue to be bypassed during major national infrastructural upgrades.
”It is unacceptable that the South-South, which remains the economic backbone of this country, is conspicuously left out of a monumental ₦3.9 trillion infrastructure development plan,” a representative stated.
The socio-cultural group called on the presidency to immediately review the FEC approvals and ensure equitable distribution, emphasizing that sustainable peace in the Niger Delta is heavily tied to visible federal development and inclusivity.
