The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), a prominent voice advocating for the interests of the Niger Delta region in Nigeria, has publicly urged President Bola Tinubu to sign the South-South Development Commission Bill into law. The forum argues that the president’s failure to assent to the bill constitutes a significant oversight, potentially fostering feelings of exclusion and resentment among the people of the South-South. PANDEF emphasizes the bill’s importance for ensuring fairness and equity in national development, highlighting the region’s contributions to the nation’s economy through its rich oil and gas resources. They contend that withholding assent could jeopardize the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta, a region historically marked by unrest stemming from perceived marginalization and neglect. The forum believes the commission’s establishment would contribute significantly to the region’s socio-economic progress and foster a sense of belonging within the larger Nigerian nation.
PANDEF advocates for the creation of development commissions for all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, emphasizing that such a move would promote inclusive national development. The forum’s position underscores the need for balanced regional development and equitable distribution of resources across the country. They believe that establishing a dedicated development commission for the South-South, similar to those proposed for other regions, would address the specific needs and challenges faced by the zone, furthering its economic growth and improving the living standards of its people. The forum views the South-South Development Commission as a critical instrument for achieving balanced regional development and reducing disparities across the nation.
Adding to their appeal, PANDEF proposes renaming the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC). This proposed change aims to clarify the commission’s mandate and differentiate it from the newly proposed South-South Development Commission. PANDEF argues that the NDDC’s original scope, encompassing oil-producing areas beyond the Niger Delta region, including states like Abia, Imo, and Ondo, necessitates this renaming. They believe that reverting to the original name, OMPADEC, would better reflect the commission’s mandate and avoid potential confusion with the South-South Development Commission.
The forum argues that this distinction is crucial for aligning the respective commissions with their targeted areas of operation and development objectives. They believe that both commissions, operating under the Ministry of Regional Development, can contribute towards inclusive national development, focusing on specific regions and their unique resource contributions. By differentiating between the two commissions, PANDEF seeks to ensure clarity of purpose and prevent overlapping mandates, allowing both to effectively address the specific needs of their respective regions.
Furthermore, PANDEF calls on President Tinubu to appoint qualified individuals from the South-South region to leadership positions within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The forum expresses concern over the perceived underrepresentation of the region in the oil sector’s top management, despite its significant contributions to the nation’s oil production. They view increased South-South representation within the NNPCL as essential for ensuring equitable participation in decision-making processes related to the oil and gas industry. PANDEF believes that empowering individuals from the region with leadership roles within the NNPCL will promote fairness, transparency, and better responsiveness to the specific needs and concerns of the oil-producing communities.
PANDEF’s concerns extend to the NNPCL’s recent investment in the development of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) complexes in Kogi State, without similar investments in the Niger Delta region. The forum questions the rationale behind this decision, highlighting the Niger Delta’s established infrastructure and expertise in the oil and gas sector. They argue that prioritizing investments in the Niger Delta would optimize existing resources, generate greater economic benefits for the region, and further contribute to national development. PANDEF believes that such investments should align with the principles of equitable resource allocation and prioritize areas with proven expertise and infrastructure, such as the Niger Delta.
