Clark Laments Pathetic State Of South-South Roads, Writes Tinubu To Address Issue

By Akinwale Kasali

Edwin Clark, Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a State of emergency on the deplorable state of roads in the South-South region in the 2025 budget.

The South South Leader and former Federal Commissioner of Information in a letter addressed to the President called for immediate action to address the dire condition of road infrastructure in the region which he described as the “treasure base of the country.”

He said that it was necessary for President Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and other relevant agencies to expedite efforts to repair the region’s roads.

According to him, it is imperative to prioritize these repairs in the 2025 appropriation bill to alleviate the suffering of the people in the Niger Delta.

In the letter, Clark emphasized the critical importance of the South-South roads, citing their role in sustaining Nigeria’s revenue through oil production. He expressed dismay over the neglect of the region’s road network despite the significant contributions of the Niger Delta to the nation’s economy.

“As a leader of the South-South people, I feel obligated to bring to your attention the appalling state of our roads. These roads, which connect key communities are now barely passable, causing immense hardship to the very people who generate the revenue that sustains this country,” Clark wrote.

Providing a detailed account of specific roads in disrepair, noting the time delays and hardships caused by their poor condition.

“Benin-Uromi-Sapele Road: Travel time has increased from 1 hour to 3–4 hours.

“Sapele-Warri Road: The 43-kilometer distance now takes 2 hours instead of 30 minutes.

Port Harcourt-Owerri Road: Commuters now spend four hours on what used to be a 1.5-hour journey.

Uyo-Itu-Calabar Road: A trip that once took under 2 hours now requires 6 hours due to its terrible condition.

Calabar-Obudu Road : Travel time has doubled, with commuters spending up to 8 hours on what used to be a 4-hour journey.

He however lamented the condition of the East-West Road, a critical artery for the region, which has seen slow progress despite its importance and past government commitments.

Clark also underscored the irony of the Niger Delta’s predicament, stating that despite being the economic backbone of the nation, the region suffers from environmental degradation and infrastructural neglect.

“At a production level of 1.8 million barrels of oil per day and oil prices at $73 per barrel, it is unacceptable that the region responsible for this wealth cannot boast of basic infrastructure like decent roads,” he said.

He argued that the cost of fixing the region’s roads amounts to less than a week’s worth of oil production revenue.

The elder statesman made a passionate plea for the situation to be addressed immediately, urging President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on South-South roads in the 2025 budget and as a matter of urgency instruct the Minister of Works and relevant agencies to prioritize and expedite repairs.

“Mr. President, this is a chance for your administration to stamp its name in the annals of history by addressing the injustice meted out to the people of the Niger Delta,” Clark wrote.

He however concluded by assuring the President of his blessings and support while reiterating the urgency of his appeal to alleviate the plight of the South-South people.