*Urges Immediate Review of Federal Government Decision
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The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), a prominent sociopolitical body representing the South-South region, has strongly criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and the federal government for the deliberate exclusion of the Niger Delta in the siting of five newly launched Mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants.
In a press statement signed by its National Spokesperson, Olorogun Dr. (Sir) Obiuwevbi Ominimini, PANDEF described the decision as unacceptable, arguing that despite being the primary producer of Nigeria’s gas resources, the Niger Delta has once again been sidelined in a major economic development initiative.
Allegations of Marginalization and Economic Injustice
PANDEF expressed its deep displeasure over the choice of Ajaokuta, Kogi State, as the sole location for all five Mini LNG plants, emphasizing that this decision constitutes marginalization and economic injustice against the Niger Delta.
“The decision to site all five Mini LNG plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, while denying the Niger Delta region its rightful share of such infrastructure, is a clear act of marginalization and economic injustice,” the statement read.
The forum further noted that this action contradicts the federal government’s repeated commitments to equity, fairness, and resource control for oil- and gas-producing communities, as outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). PANDEF lamented that apart from the Bonny LNG plant in Rivers State, no other government-backed LNG plant has been established in the Niger Delta.
Abandonment of Key Gas Projects in the Niger Delta
While condemning the government’s decision, PANDEF also decried the abandonment of several gas projects in the Niger Delta, which were originally conceived to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities.
Among these abandoned projects are:
Ogidigbe Gas Project in Delta State
Brass LNG in Bayelsa State
Olokola LNG in Ondo State
The statement stressed that if these projects had been developed as planned, they would have significantly boosted Nigeria’s gas industry while providing substantial economic benefits for the Niger Delta region. PANDEF argued that their abandonment, while new projects are being prioritized in other regions, further highlights the pattern of economic injustice meted out against the people of the Niger Delta.
Lack of Representation in NNPC Ltd Leadership
PANDEF attributed the continued exclusion of the Niger Delta from key government economic initiatives to the absence of qualified individuals from the region in the leadership of NNPC Ltd. The forum maintained that strong representation within the corporation would have prevented such systemic neglect and ensured the equitable distribution of economic opportunities.
“PANDEF has repeatedly raised concerns over the exclusion of qualified Niger Delta persons from the leadership of NNPC Ltd. This latest act of marginalization is a direct consequence of that exclusion. If we had strong representation in NNPC Ltd, this level of injustice and systemic denial of our economic rights would not occur,” the statement asserted.
The forum further criticized the federal government for implementing policies that disregard the interests and welfare of the Niger Delta people. PANDEF emphasized that decisions affecting the region should be made with proper consultation and consideration of its economic and social realities.
Demand for Immediate Review and Corrective Action
In response to what it described as an unjust decision, PANDEF has called for an immediate review of the siting of the Mini LNG plants. The organization urged the federal government and NNPC Ltd to take necessary steps to ensure that similar projects are established in the Niger Delta.
“While restating our commitment to peaceful engagement, PANDEF, as the voice of the Niger Delta, will resist through all constitutional means any attempt to further impoverish our people while others reap the benefits of our God-given resources,” the statement emphasized.
The forum also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent corrective measures in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda. PANDEF stressed that fostering economic inclusion in the Niger Delta is crucial for sustaining the peace and stability that elders and leaders in the region have worked hard to achieve.
Conclusion
PANDEF’s strong stance on the exclusion of the Niger Delta from the Mini LNG project reflects the region’s long-standing grievances over resource control and economic justice. The organization has made it clear that unless corrective measures are taken, the federal government’s credibility on issues of equity and fairness will remain in question. The Niger Delta remains a critical player in Nigeria’s gas industry, and PANDEF insists that it deserves a fair share of developmental projects that harness its vast natural resources.
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