South-South Governors Renew Push for Regional Integration, Economic Growth

South-South governors have renewed their push for greater regional integration, with infrastructure, investment, maritime development and industrialisation taking centre stage at their second meeting in Calabar, Cross River State.

The governors identified regional rail development, rehabilitation of the Calabar, Port Harcourt and Warri seaports, and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as key projects capable of opening up the region’s economic potential.

They also agreed to strengthen collaboration with the Federal Government on infrastructure, environmental restoration and security, while seeking a regional investment framework for projects that cut across state boundaries.

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Speaking at the meeting, Cross River Governor and Vice Chairman of the Forum, Bassey Otu, called for a common position on issues including VAT, oil and gas revenue and the 13 percent derivation principle. He also renewed Cross River’s campaign to regain its oil-producing status and proposed a regional economic corridor linking the Bakassi Deep Seaport with major transport routes and ports in neighbouring states.

Forum Chairman and Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri, said the region must move beyond meetings and communiqués to measurable action, stressing the need for stronger road, rail, air and maritime connectivity. The governors also resolved to institutionalise quarterly meetings, with Akwa Ibom scheduled to host the next gathering in November, and pledged 100 percent support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.