The South-South Governors’ Forum has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the completion of the East-West Road that links the six states in the region.
This appeal was made on Tuesday, 28 January 2025, during the forum’s meeting held at the Government House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the governors also expressed their support for President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill but urged the federal government to extend the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula to include other areas of derivation, particularly oil and gas.
The forum, comprising governors from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states, reaffirmed its commitment to regional unity and collaborative governance to address pressing developmental challenges.
Key Resolutions from the Meeting:
- The governors made several resolutions aimed at improving infrastructure, security, and economic growth in the South-South region. These include:
- East-West Road Completion: Urging the Federal Government to prioritise and fast-track the completion of the East-West Road to improve connectivity and economic activities.
- Railway Development: Calling for the activation of the Port Harcourt railway line and its extension to other states in the region.
- Regional Security: Establishing a structured regional security network to enhance safety and curb criminal activities in the South-South.
- Economic Diversification: Encouraging member states to expand their economies beyond oil and gas to ensure sustainable development.
- Revival of the BRACED Commission: Strengthening the BRACED Commission to better represent and advance the interests of communities in the region.
During the meeting, the governors unanimously elected Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, as Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum.
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, was named Vice Chairman of the forum.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, moved the motion for Diri’s nomination, while Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, seconded it.
Governor Diri described the development as a new beginning in the South-South region of Nigeria.”
“We (South-South governors) have resolved as Governors to speak in one voice on the socio-economic and infrastructural development of the region,” he added.
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