The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to sign the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) bill into law.
The bill which aims to promote sustainable development in the South-South region has been passed by the National Assembly.
Two months after its passage, the bill remains unsigned by President Tinubu, sparking concerns and agitations among senators and people from the region.
At an emergency meeting held in Abuja on February 5, 2025, the Board of Trustees of PANDEF expressed concern over the delay in signing the bill.
Addressing journalists on Monday in Abuja, the National Spokesman of PANDEF, Olorugun Obiuwevbi Ominimini, noted that the non-assent of the bill could create a feeling of exclusion and dejection among the people of the South-South.
PANDEF commended the governors of the South-South states for their efforts in working towards the sustainable development of the region.
However, they urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to address the challenges facing the region, including the development of abandoned sea ports and the operationalization of the Gas Flare penalty for the benefit of host communities.
The group also called for the reactivation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to address the specific needs of the oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta.
They urged the Federal Government to accelerate investments in the Niger Delta, including the citing of mini-refineries and gas development projects.
PANDEF reiterated its commitment to promoting the interest of the Niger Delta people and addressing the lingering issues facing the region.
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The SSDC bill was passed on October 25, 2024, after being withdrawn and represented twice, following heated debate. Opponents argued that establishing the SSDC would duplicate functions with the NDDC, while proponents insisted that the SSDC would cover the developmental needs of the six states in the region.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and co-sponsored by 17 other senators from the six states of the South-South region.
The SSDC bill has the mandate to receive and manage funds from the federation accounts allocation committee and other sources to address infrastructural deficits, militancy, communal crises, and ecological and environmental problems within the region.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
