A South-South advocacy group has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently release funds earmarked for the South South Development Commission (SSDC), warning that inadequate funding could stall the agency’s take-off and delay critical development in the region.
In a statement issued by the Convener of the South South Reawakening Group (SSRG), Joseph Ambakederimo, the group described the 2026 budgetary allocation to the Commission as “grossly inadequate,” stressing the need for both an upward review of the allocation and the prompt release of a substantial portion of the funds for effective project execution.
Ambakederimo noted that timely disbursement of funds would not only stabilize the Commission in its formative stage but also accelerate infrastructural development across the South-South region.
He emphasized that early access to adequate funding would enable the Commission to commence impactful projects capable of addressing long-standing developmental challenges.
The group further appealed to the President to direct the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to ensure the immediate release of funds due to the Commission, noting that such action would invigorate economic activities in the oil-rich region.
According to the statement, the SSDC, which was signed into law in March 2025 following its passage by the National Assembly in October 2024, was established to drive people-oriented development initiatives across the South-South. It warned that continued delay in funding could undermine the Commission’s mandate and weaken its management capacity.
Ambakederimo also highlighted the leadership of the Commission, describing its head as “an Amazon in her own right,” but cautioned that inadequate funding could hinder effective performance and limit the agency’s ability to deliver on its objectives.
He outlined key priority areas for the Commission to include health, agriculture, education, transportation, industrialization, social housing, water and sanitation, as well as electricity and communication infrastructure.
He added that addressing ecological and environmental challenges resulting from years of resource extraction should also be central to the Commission’s mandate.
The group maintained that the swift take-off of the SSDC would stimulate industrial growth, promote economic development, and improve living standards across the South-South, urging the federal government to act without further delay.
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