Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the South-South Development Commission Bill into law, describing the move as a landmark decision that will accelerate development in the region.
Truth Live News reports that in a statement issued by PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, the group lauded the President and the National Assembly for their commitment to regional development, emphasizing that the legislation would help address the Niger Delta’s persistent social, environmental, and infrastructural challenges. The announcement came on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
“This singular action has boosted the confidence of our people in the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering even regional development across Nigeria,” PANDEF stated. “It also affirms efforts to address the unique social, environmental, and developmental challenges confronting the South-South region.”
The commission is expected to function as a strategic vehicle for implementing key projects that will complement state governments’ initiatives in the region. PANDEF urged the President to appoint competent and experienced individuals to lead the commission, ensuring its effectiveness.
Despite its commendation, PANDEF also called for urgent government intervention in the region’s environmental and infrastructural challenges. The Niger Delta, which has been the economic backbone of Nigeria due to its oil and gas production, continues to suffer from environmental degradation and limited infrastructure. The forum emphasized the need for immediate environmental remediation, improved road networks, and enhanced social amenities.
Additionally, PANDEF urged the Federal Government to intervene in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. The group called for the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State Assembly, citing widespread concerns over their suspension.
PANDEF’s meeting with President Tinubu just days before the recent declaration of a state of emergency has raised speculation about the broader implications of the administration’s engagement with regional leaders. While the signing of the bill signals a positive step, the group’s insistence on resolving the Rivers crisis and environmental concerns suggests that tensions remain.
Public sentiment in the South-South region remains cautiously optimistic, with many hoping that the new commission will not follow the troubled path of past intervention agencies like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Critics argue that political interference and corruption have historically hindered the effectiveness of such initiatives.
While PANDEF’s praise highlights a major policy win for the Tinubu administration, the success of the South-South Development Commission will ultimately depend on its implementation. If managed effectively, it could serve as a model for regional development. However, if plagued by mismanagement, it risks becoming another bureaucratic entity without meaningful impact. The coming months will determine whether the commission can live up to its promise.