By EMTV News
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and Nigerians across the country on Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, while calling for greater federal attention to infrastructure and environmental challenges confronting the South-South region.
In a statement issued to mark the anniversary, PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows B. Igali, also extended the forum’s greetings to the governors of the South-South states, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and other residents of the region.
Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2026, with the Federal Government declaring the day a public holiday. The anniversary was commemorated under the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”
South-South Infrastructure Requires Greater Attention
PANDEF said the South-South region had continued to contribute significantly to national development despite its difficult geographical and environmental conditions.
The forum noted that much of the region is waterlogged, creating unique challenges for infrastructure development, but commended the governors for their efforts in infrastructure, human welfare and social development.
PANDEF also acknowledged the contributions of intervention agencies, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Niger Delta Basin Development Authority and Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
However, the organisation urged the Federal Government to intensify its intervention in the region, particularly in the area of road infrastructure.
According to PANDEF, “the road network has reached a proportion of national emergency,” stressing that the condition of roads across the Niger Delta requires urgent attention.
The forum’s latest call is consistent with concerns previously expressed by Igali over federal road infrastructure allocations to the South-South. In July 2026, PANDEF criticised the distribution of a Federal Executive Council-approved N3.9 trillion road infrastructure programme, arguing that the region received limited attention.
PANDEF Calls for Environmental Remediation
The forum also placed environmental degradation at the centre of its Independence Day message, calling for sustained action to address the consequences of decades of oil pollution and gas flaring in the Niger Delta.
PANDEF said the issue of environmental remediation “needs to be placed on the front burner,” pointing to what it described as approximately 70 years of oil pollution and gas flaring affecting communities in the region.
The organisation said addressing environmental degradation should remain an important component of development efforts in the Niger Delta.
Commends South-South Leadership
PANDEF commended the governors and other leaders across the South-South for their contributions to peace, infrastructure and social development.
The forum also expressed appreciation to traditional and religious leaders, women, youths and residents of the region for their contributions to maintaining peace.
While celebrating Nigeria’s independence, PANDEF called on citizens to continue praying for the peace, unity and progress of the country.
Quoting Psalm 121:1, Igali stated: “Unless the Lord build the house, its builders labour in vain.”
PANDEF subsequently wished Nigerians continued peace and progress and called for the country’s affairs to remain under the guidance of God.
Nigeria’s 66th anniversary comes as the Federal Government says it is seeking to consolidate its economic reforms and translate them into improved opportunities and living conditions for citizens. President Tinubu, in his October 1 Independence Day address, similarly called on Nigerians to look ahead with faith in the country’s future.
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