The Convener of the South-South Reawakening Group, Ambassador Joseph Ambakederimo, has faulted claims that the difficult terrain of the Niger Delta makes the region expensive and challenging to develop, describing such arguments as politically motivated.
Ambakederimo stated this during an interview on RayPower Television, where he discussed the proposed Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, infrastructure development in the Niger Delta and the need for greater resource control.
He argued that modern engineering technology had made it possible to execute major infrastructure projects in swampy and waterlogged areas, insisting that the region’s mangrove forests, creeks and swamps should not be used as excuses to deny its people critical infrastructure.
Citing developments in Lagos, including reclaimed land and major structures built on swampy terrain, he said similar engineering solutions could be applied to the Niger Delta.
He also pointed to road and bridge projects executed in Bayelsa State as evidence that difficult terrain could be overcome through proper planning, engineering expertise and political commitment.
The South-South advocate maintained that arguments against the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway were misplaced, alleging that some of its critics were unwilling to support meaningful development in a region that contributes substantially to Nigeria’s economic resources.
According to him, the proposed coastal highway should be regarded as a national infrastructure project capable of improving transportation, connecting coastal communities, promoting trade and stimulating economic activities across the South-South and other parts of the country.
Ambakederimo argued that the cost of a major infrastructure project should not be the sole reason for abandoning it, stressing that the government must consider its long-term economic and developmental benefits.
He expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would complete the project within his tenure if re-elected, adding that any administration that succeeds him should continue the project because of its national importance.
On funding, the group convener proposed that the Federal Government explore the use of crude oil as a financing mechanism, citing previous infrastructure arrangements in which contractors were paid with crude oil.
He suggested that a similar funding model could be considered for the coastal highway, while emphasising the need for effective monitoring, transparency and accountability in the management of such agreements.
Ambakederimo, however, expressed concern over the poor condition of existing roads in the Niger Delta, particularly the East-West Road and the Benin-Asaba route.
He said motorists continued to experience long delays on some of these roads, insisting that the government should address existing infrastructure deficiencies while pursuing new projects.
He also criticised the quality of some ongoing road construction works, maintaining that projects in the region should meet appropriate engineering standards to ensure durability and value for money.
On the broader question of regional development, Ambakederimo advocated fiscal federalism and greater resource control, arguing that Nigeria’s development would accelerate if federating units had more control over the resources generated within their territories.
He proposed increasing the derivation allocation to resource-producing states from the current 13 per cent to 70 per cent, arguing that greater financial autonomy would enable states to undertake more ambitious development projects.
According to him, increased allocations should be accompanied by accountability and the political will to deliver tangible benefits to the people.
He also acknowledged that political leaders in the Niger Delta shared some responsibility for the region’s slow pace of development, stressing that public officeholders must be held accountable for the management of available resources.
While recognising that the region had recorded some development over the years, Ambakederimo said the pace remained slower than expected, given its contribution to the national economy.
He further disclosed that the South-South Reawakening Group had organised stakeholder engagements on regional development, including discussions on electricity infrastructure in Bayelsa State.
He said the group had advocated increasing Bayelsa’s electricity generation capacity from 60 megawatts to 100 megawatts, describing stakeholder engagement and dialogue as important tools for influencing government policy.
Ambakederimo urged residents, particularly young people, to take greater interest in governance and development issues rather than limiting their political participation to criticism on social media.
He maintained that sustainable development in the Niger Delta required increased investment in critical infrastructure, accountable leadership, greater fiscal autonomy and a commitment to completing projects that would improve the lives of the people.
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