The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the South-South Development Commission Bill into law. The announcement, made on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, marks a significant milestone in efforts to address the developmental challenges of the South-South geopolitical zone.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF commended the National Assembly for the timely passage of the bill, emphasizing that this move reinforces confidence in the federal government’s commitment to promoting equitable regional development.
“This singular action has boosted the confidence of our people in the commitment of the Federal Government to promote even regional development across the country and, in particular, to address the peculiar social, environmental, and developmental challenges facing our region,” the statement read.
The South-South Development Commission is expected to complement the efforts of state governments in driving sustainable growth in the region, which has long been a major contributor to Nigeria’s national economy through oil and gas production. PANDEF urged President Tinubu to appoint competent individuals with the necessary experience and expertise to lead the new commission effectively.
Additionally, PANDEF reiterated the need for urgent attention to other pressing issues in the region, including environmental remediation from oil and gas production and the acute infrastructure deficit that poses an existential threat to the people of the South-South.
The group also called on the President to intervene in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State by restoring Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly, who were suspended amid political tensions.
“PANDEF is hopeful that, based on the sustained nationwide appeals and genuine concerns from virtually every corner of the country over the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and the State Assembly, Mr. President would graciously accord urgent attention to restoring the state back to its normal democratic governance,” the statement added.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration with the federal government to ensure progress, peace, and sustainable development in the region.
“We once again thank President Tinubu and the National Assembly for this significant milestone and look forward to continued collaboration in the days ahead,” PANDEF stated.
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