The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has strongly criticised the Federal Government over the distribution of the N3.9 trillion road projects recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), alleging that the South-South region was largely excluded despite being Nigeria’s main revenue-generating zone through oil and gas production.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development but argued that the allocation of projects did not reflect fairness, equity, or justice.

According to Igali, out of the 26 major highway projects approved across 15 states, the South-South received only a marginal share, with the Benue-Cross River road project valued at N886 billion being the closest project linked to the region.

He described the development as “troubling and shocking,” insisting that none of the approved projects directly traversed the core South-South states despite the region’s strategic contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

Igali said the situation further reinforced decades of neglect of the Niger Delta, where many communities remain cut off by deteriorating road networks even as the region continues to generate the bulk of the nation’s oil and gas revenue.

“The Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee of PANDEF has noted the outcome of the recent Federal Executive Council meeting in which N3.9 trillion was approved for road infrastructure projects across the country.

“While we commend President Bola Tinubu and his cabinet for this commitment to infrastructure development, we in the South-South lament that our region has once again been grossly shortchanged with very insignificant allocation from this huge investment,” he said.

The PANDEF chairman warned that continued neglect of the region was akin to “starving the goose that lays the golden egg” and could deepen feelings of alienation among Niger Delta residents.

He also expressed disappointment over the slow progress on the East-West Road, describing it as a symbol of failed infrastructure delivery despite repeated assurances from the Federal Ministry of Works.

Igali further lamented what he called the abandonment of key seaports in Calabar, Onne, Port Harcourt, and Warri, noting that there were no visible plans to rehabilitate or modernise the facilities to boost economic activities in the region.

PANDEF urged President Tinubu to urgently review the allocation of infrastructure projects to ensure the South-South receives what it considers a fair share of national investments.

The group maintained that balanced infrastructure development across all geopolitical zones was vital for national unity, economic growth, and long-term stability.

Despite its concerns, PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national development and pledged continued cooperation in creating an enabling environment for increased oil and gas production and broader economic growth.