The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF),has implored President Bola Tinubu to address the current gross under-representation of Niger Delta people in critical top management positions in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited,and the country’s oil and gas industry.
Ambassador Godknows Igali,National Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum,PANDEF,conveyed this in a New Year Message made available to Premium News on Friday.
He also sought the early accent of the Bill on Establishment of South South Development Commission, which will bring the area at par with the other geopolitical zones.
According to him,there should be definite measurable policies, programmes and steps to effect environmental remediation beginning with the comprehensive cleanup of the much polluted Niger Delta ecosystem.
He also advocated immediate declaration of a state of emergency over the deplorable state of the federal highway network in the region.
He added:”It needs restating that the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, the apex sociopolitical body of the South South remains committed to advocating for the collective interests of the Niger Delta people . We are committed to promote and support all initiatives aimed at not just the economic development of the region but also equally important, to work with similar regional bodies for the unity , harmony and prosperity of our father land,Nigeria
“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”.
He said the Niger Delta,despite contributing significantly to the nation’s wealth, continues to struggle at the very bottom of most of the recognized development indices adding that it is now time for to redouble our efforts to ensure that the benefits of democracy and good governance get to every corner of our region.
He restated the group’s agenda to work tirelessly with its stakeholders to elevate the standard of living of the people.
He maintained that beyond oil and gas, the region is blessed with abundant natural resources, fertile soil, and ideal climatic conditions conducive to large-scale agricultural production.
He said:”Additionally, our extensive coast & shore lines 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 rarevcoral deposits, mangrove roots for water desalination, water-based mud for drilling operations, miles of sandy waterfront for tourism beaches ,marine sports & coastal transportation, to mention a few.
“To realize these lofty goals will require the collective effort of all stakeholders up and down the leadership chain, with a very effective cross-sector collaboration from our National Assembly members to our state governors and the local governments , including the intervention agencies.
“PANDEF strongly believes that bringing all the stakeholders under the aegis of a single point of coordination such as the PANDEF and the BRACED Commission will greatly facilitate the actualization of this lofty desire
“Furthermore, our sons and daughters in the private sector, many of whom are actually in leadership roles in the financial sector as well as in the communication sector, and the mass media, etc have a substantial role to play in providing the necessary technical and commercial advisory services as well as mobilize local funding and foreign direct investment partners to promote and support qualified projects.
“We must also focus on strengthening our presence in the emerging opportunities in the oil and gas sector in our region, which holds considerable potential for economic growth”.
