Chief Edwin Clark, leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has addressed an open letter to President Bola Tinubu regarding the alarming condition of roads in the Niger Delta region.
In his correspondence, Clark is urging the President to promptly declare a state of emergency for the roads in this vital area. He expressed concern over the paradox of increasing oil production and prices juxtaposed with the dismal state of infrastructure in the region.
Clark emphasized that the poor road conditions have become a significant challenge for residents, leading to considerable hardship. He stated:
“I am writing this passionate plea to urge you to declare an EMERGENCY in the upcoming 2025 Budget and to instruct your Minister of Works and relevant agencies to intensify efforts to repair these roads. Mr. President, we insist that the plight of the Niger Delta, the economic heart of the nation, be recognized as an emergency without delay.
“While I understand that resources are limited and there are many competing demands, it’s baffling that the roads in communities producing the very resources sustaining this country are in such disrepair.
“The plight of the Niger Delta, which has endured decades of environmental degradation, is lamentable and requires generations to alleviate.
“It is unfathomable that despite our daily contributions of billions to the national treasury, we struggle to navigate our own region.
“With a current production rate of 1.8 million barrels per day, a milestone we regional leaders have collaborated with the government to achieve and seek to enhance, it’s incomprehensible that our roads remain in such woeful condition.
“At an oil price of $73 per barrel, we are generating enough revenue, and the Niger Delta cannot continue to suffer in this manner. The cost of repairing the roads is less than a week’s worth of oil production.
“For instance, the Benin-Auchi Road, which typically takes 2½ hours to traverse, now has commuters spending an average of 7 hours. In extreme instances, travelers are forced to detour through rural communities in Ekiti State before rejoining the main road.”
