Stakeholders in Nigeria’s South South region have expressed concern over what they described as the exclusion of the oil-producing zone from the Federal Government’s recently approved ₦902.5 billion road infrastructure projects. The development has sparked fresh debate over the equitable distribution of federal projects across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
Key Highlights:
- South South leaders allege exclusion from the Federal Government’s ₦902.5 billion road projects.
- The approved projects reportedly cover five geopolitical zones, excluding the South South.
- Stakeholders say the omission reinforces concerns about infrastructure imbalance.
- Calls intensify for the completion of the East-West Road and other strategic Niger Delta projects.
- Federal Government maintains that infrastructure development under the Renewed Hope Agenda is nationwide.
- Analysts warn the controversy could shape political discourse ahead of future elections.
The controversy followed the announcement of road infrastructure approvals after a recent meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). According to briefings by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, the approvals form part of a broader programme to rehabilitate and construct key federal highways across Nigeria.
Stakeholders Raise Concerns Over Regional Exclusion
Stakeholders from the South South argued that while the approved projects cover states across the North Central, North East, North West, South East and South West geopolitical zones, none of the major projects announced under the ₦902.5 billion package is located within the six South South states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers.
The development has drawn criticism from community leaders, socio-political organisations and youth groups, who contend that the region continues to experience inadequate federal infrastructure investment despite its significant contribution to Nigeria’s oil and gas revenue.
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A prominent traditional ruler from the region, who requested anonymity, described the development as unfair.
“The South South produces the wealth that sustains this nation, yet when it comes to infrastructure, we are treated as second-class citizens. This selective approval is unacceptable and sends the wrong signal,” the monarch said.
Demand for Strategic Niger Delta Projects
Regional groups have renewed calls for the Federal Government to prioritise critical infrastructure projects within the Niger Delta, particularly the completion of the East-West Road and other major federal highways linking oil-producing communities.
They argued that improved road infrastructure is essential for economic development, investment, security and the efficient movement of goods and services across the region.
Some stakeholders also urged the Presidency to review the latest approvals and ensure that future allocations reflect fairness and balanced national development.
Government Maintains Nationwide Infrastructure Agenda
Although the Ministry of Works has not specifically addressed the allegations surrounding the latest approvals, Minister David Umahi has consistently maintained that the Tinubu administration is implementing infrastructure projects across all regions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Government officials have also pointed to previous approvals benefiting parts of the South South, including sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other federal road projects, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusive national development.
Supporters of the government argue that individual project approvals should be viewed within the context of broader nationwide infrastructure investments rather than as isolated allocations.
Political and Economic Implications
Many political analysts believe the controversy highlights longstanding concerns over infrastructure distribution and regional equity in Nigeria.
They noted that infrastructure development remains a major political issue in the Niger Delta, where demands for greater federal investment have persisted for decades despite the region’s strategic role in Nigeria’s economy.
Analysts further observed that addressing infrastructure deficits in the South South could strengthen national cohesion, promote economic growth and reduce perceptions of marginalisation.
As public debate continues, attention is expected to focus on whether the Federal Government will announce additional projects for the South South in subsequent Federal Executive Council approvals.
