Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali is the national chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF)
The Niger Delta, long recognised as the economic engine of Nigeria and a critical hub in global energy markets, is set for a new phase of development following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signing of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill into law.
The president also signed the bill establishing the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), ensuring that all six geopolitical zones in the country now have dedicated development commissions. The established regional commissions are tasked with enhancing infrastructure, economic growth, and social welfare within their respective regions, a report said.
Home to vast oil and gas reserves that account for over 90% of Nigeria’s export earnings, the Niger Delta has also been a focal point of environmental degradation and political tensions. Its stability is not only vital for Nigeria’s economy but also for global oil markets, where disruptions in the region have historically triggered price fluctuations.
Against this backdrop, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the region’s foremost advocacy group, has hailed the new Commission as a landmark achievement- one that could redefine the Nigerian government’s approach to addressing decades of neglect in the region, also referred to as the South-South zone.
In a press statement on Tuesday, PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the National Assembly for enacting the SSDC law, calling it a “historic” step toward equitable development.
“This action has boosted the confidence of our people in the commitment of the Federal Government to address the peculiar social, environmental, and developmental challenges facing our region,” Igali said.
The Commission is expected to function as a specialised intervention agency, working alongside state governments to tackle infrastructure deficits, environmental pollution, and youth unemployment—issues that have fuelled unrest in the past.
While celebrating the legislative victory, PANDEF cautioned that the Commission’s success depends on the appointment of qualified leaders. The forum urged Tinubu to select “competent and tested hands with cognate skills” to ensure effective implementation.
The Niger Delta’s challenges are immense. Decades of oil spills have devastated farmlands and waterways, while poor infrastructure persists despite the region’s economic contributions. PANDEF emphasised that environmental remediation and basic amenities must remain top priorities for the new body.
Beyond development concerns, PANDEF also addressed the escalating political crisis in the Oil-Rich Rivers state, where the suspension of the state governor, his deputy, and the state legislature has sparked nationwide concern.
The forum appealed to the president to intervene, urging the “restoration of normal democratic governance” in the oil-rich state. Rivers, a key player in Nigeria’s energy sector, cannot afford prolonged instability, PANDEF warned, as tensions risk disrupting economic activities in the region.
The SSDC’s establishment marks a significant policy shift, but scepticism remains. Past initiatives, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), have been marred by corruption and inefficiency. Analysts say the new Commission must avoid similar pitfalls to gain public trust.
PANDEF, however, remains optimistic. “We look forward to continued collaboration, progress, and peace,” Igali said, signalling hope for a new era in the Niger Delta.
As the Tinubu administration moves to inaugurate the Commission, the world will be watching- not just for Nigeria’s sake, but for the stability of global energy markets that depend on the Niger Delta’s oil.
