Elder statesman and Convener of the South-South Reawakening Group, Ambassador Joseph Ambakederimo, has called on the Federal Government to complete the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway according to its original design, warning against any attempt to divert the project from its planned route through the South-South geopolitical zone.
Ambakederimo made the call during an interview on Arise News Television, where he discussed the coastal highway, infrastructure development in the Niger Delta, resource control and the Federal Government’s plans to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
He maintained that the coastal highway should proceed to its proposed destination in Calabar, Cross River State, traversing the states in the South-South region as originally conceived.
According to him, the project would deliver significant economic and developmental benefits to the region and should not be subjected to political considerations or diverted to another route.
“Our position in the South-South Reawakening Group and the larger Niger Delta is the progression of that road,” he said, insisting that the government should ensure the project was completed according to its original design.
Ambakederimo rejected arguments that the Niger Delta’s swampy terrain would make the project difficult to execute, arguing that modern engineering and construction technology could overcome geographical challenges.
He cited infrastructure projects in Bayelsa State as evidence that difficult terrain could be overcome through appropriate engineering designs and political commitment.
He also referenced the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, noting that crude oil had been used as part of the financing arrangements for its construction, and urged the Federal Government to consider a similar model for the coastal highway.
Specifically, he proposed allocating 50,000 barrels of crude oil per day to finance the project, arguing that Nigeria could utilise its natural resources to execute major infrastructure projects instead of allowing funding concerns to delay development.
“Allocate 50,000 barrels of crude oil every day and pay for the project,” he said, advocating a funding arrangement that would enable the government to complete the highway.
He further called for transparency in the management of crude oil-backed financing agreements, expressing concern over the limited public information available on some existing forward-sale arrangements.
Ambakederimo also dismissed suggestions that the coastal highway should be diverted to align with the East-West Road, arguing that both projects could be pursued to improve transportation and connectivity in the region.
He said the government should engage engineers, architects and other professionals from the Niger Delta to examine the project and address technical and environmental concerns.
According to him, the Federal Government should undertake the necessary assessments while maintaining the original route and ensuring that environmental considerations are properly addressed.
The South-South Reawakening Group convener also linked the region’s infrastructure challenges to what he described as an imbalance in Nigeria’s federal structure.
He advocated true federalism and resource control, arguing that greater financial autonomy for the federating units would accelerate development and enable states to invest more effectively in infrastructure and public services.
Ambakederimo disclosed that his group would issue a charter of demands to political parties participating in the electoral process, asking them to explain their plans for the South-South region, particularly regarding resource control and development.
He said the region had contributed substantially to Nigeria’s economy but continued to face challenges relating to infrastructure, environmental degradation and the pace of development.
On oil exploration in Ogoniland, Ambakederimo argued that the Federal Government needed to engage more transparently with the people before proceeding with plans to resume exploration.
He questioned whether the details of the Ogoni Report had been adequately made available to the public, calling for the document to be released and examined by stakeholders across the Niger Delta.
According to him, the concerns affecting Ogoniland extend beyond the Ogoni people because environmental degradation and the consequences of oil exploration have affected communities throughout the region.
He called for broader consultations involving community representatives, professionals and other stakeholders to ensure that the concerns of the people were adequately addressed.
Ambakederimo also questioned the Federal Government’s oil production target of three million barrels per day, arguing that Nigeria should aim for at least five million barrels daily to support its growing population and development needs.
However, he maintained that achieving higher production levels would require the government to address the challenges surrounding oil exploration, production costs, community relations and environmental concerns.
He said the cost of producing crude oil in Nigeria remained a significant concern, arguing that high production costs could discourage investment when compared with other oil-producing countries.
The elder statesman urged the Federal Government to improve engagement with host communities, provide clarity on its plans for Ogoniland and address the longstanding concerns surrounding oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
He maintained that sustainable development in the region would require the completion of critical infrastructure projects, greater resource control, transparent governance and meaningful dialogue between the government and affected communities.