The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the South-South Development Commission Bill into law, describing it as a significant milestone for the region.
In a statement issued by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF also commended the National Assembly for the timely passage of the bill, which was signed into law on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
“This singular action has boosted the confidence of our people in the commitment of the Federal Government to promote even regional development across the country, and in particular, to address the peculiar social, environmental, and developmental challenges facing our region,” the statement read.
PANDEF urged President Tinubu to ensure that competent and experienced individuals are appointed to lead the newly established commission, stressing that its role should complement the efforts of South-South governors in driving sustainable development.
The group also reiterated the need for urgent action on environmental remediation, infrastructure deficits, and other existential challenges caused by decades of oil and gas exploitation in the region.
Additionally, PANDEF called on the president to reconsider his decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly. It emphasized the need to restore democratic governance in the state, citing widespread appeals from across the country.
The group concluded by reaffirming its commitment to working with the federal government to ensure peace, progress, and development in the South-South region.
Read the statement in full below:
PANDEF PRESS STATEMENT
“PANDEF THANKS MR PRESIDENT FOR SIGNING OF SOUTH SOUTH DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BILL INTO LAW”.
On behalf of the Niger Delta ethnic nationalities and peoples which make up the South-South geopolitical zone, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) conveys profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on the historic signing of the South-South Development Commission Bill into law, announced on Tuesday the 25th of March, 2025. We also commend the National Assembly for the timely completion of work on this piece of legislation.
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This singular action has boosted the confidence of our people in the commitment of the Federal Government to promote even regional development across the country and; in particular, to address the peculiar social, environmental, and developmental challenges facing our region.
PANDEF is hopeful that in setting up this new Commission, Mr President will carefully select competent and tested hands with cognate skills and experience to ensure that this body plays its complimentary role to the efforts of our Governors in delivering sustainable development to the region, which continues to contribute immensely to the sustenance of the Nigerian national economy for decades.
PANDEF reiterates that other outstanding issues, especially environmental remediation from the negative impact of oil and gas production as well as an acute deficit in basic infrastructure, which constitutes an existential threat to the South-South, would be treated as a priority.
Finally, PANDEF is hopeful that based on the sustained nationwide appeals and genuine concerns from virtually every corner of the country over the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor and the State Assembly, Mr President would graciously accord urgent attention to restoration of the State back to its normal democratic governance by immediately recalling the Governor, Deputy Governor and the State Assembly.
Once again, we thank President Tinubu and the National Assembly for this significant milestone.
PANDEF looks forward to continued collaboration, progress, and peace in the days ahead.
Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON
National Chairman