The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has accused the Federal Government of sidelining the South-South in the allocation of recently approved road infrastructure projects, warning that the continued neglect of the oil-rich region could deepen feelings of marginalisation and undermine national cohesion.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the national chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, in company of other members of the Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee, said it was “troubling and shocking” that the South-South received virtually no major road project from the N3.9 trillion approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for infrastructure development across the country.

While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council for committing substantial resources to road infrastructure, PANDEF argued that the distribution of the projects failed to reflect equity and the strategic importance of the Niger Delta to Nigeria’s economy.

According to the group, of the 26 major road projects approved for 15 states, the only one linked to the South-South is the Benue-Cross River road project valued at N886 billion, leaving the core Niger Delta states without any significant allocation.

PANDEF said the omission was particularly disturbing given the region’s long-standing infrastructure deficit, which has left communities poorly connected despite being the country’s economic backbone through oil and gas production.

“The South-South has once again been grossly shortchanged,” the group declared, lamenting that residents across the region still struggle to travel between states because of dilapidated road networks.

The regional body also expressed frustration over the slow pace of work on the East-West Road, describing the highway as “a metaphor for a failed project” despite repeated assurances by the Minister of Works that it would be completed expeditiously.

Beyond roads, PANDEF accused the Federal Government of neglecting critical maritime infrastructure, noting that the ports in Calabar, Onne, Port Harcourt and Warri have remained largely abandoned without any visible plan for rehabilitation, modernisation or expansion.

Describing the situation as “starving the goose that lays the golden egg,” the forum warned that the persistent neglect of the Niger Delta was fostering feelings of systemic alienation and disenchantment among its people.

The group urged President Tinubu to review the allocation of infrastructure projects and ensure the South-South receives what it described as its fair share, stressing that the region deserves greater federal investment in recognition of its immense contribution to national revenue.

Despite its grievances, PANDEF reaffirmed the Niger Delta’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability, pledging continued support for increased oil and gas production while expressing hope that the Federal Government would embrace the principles of fairness, equity and justice in future infrastructure planning.