Improved security tops govs’ plans for S’South

Governors of the six South-South states have committed themselves to improving security, declaring that sustainable economic development in the region will only be achieved with improved security and environmental restoration.

The Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum and Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, said investment will continue to elude the region if communities, waterways and critical infrastructure remain vulnerable to attacks and neglect.

Diri lamented that the region that is sustaining Nigeria’s economy had continued to suffer severe ecological and developmental consequences.

He said, “We need stronger intelligence-sharing and coordinated security operations to protect communities, oil and gas assets and economic corridors across the six states. It is a contradiction that a region that sustains Nigeria’s economy continues to suffer severe ecological and developmental consequences.”

Diri said the governors linked economic development with security and environmental sustainability, noting that the region contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy but continues to bear the brunt of insecurity and ecological damage.

He also stressed the importance of environmental restoration, adding that oil spillage, gas flaring, erosion and the degradation of waterways must become a national priority if the region is to attain real development.

“If the region must attain real development, oil spillage, gas flaring, erosion and the degradation of waterways must become a national priority”, Diri said.

Ahead of 2027 general elections, the governors resolved to endorse and support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, adding that they will continue to directly engagement with President Tinubu on the region’s development priorities, including security, infrastructure, and environmental remediation.