PANDEF rejects coastal freeway rerouting, calls for reversal

The National Youth Wing of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has known as on President Bola Tinubu to reverse the deliberate rerouting of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway by means of Ondo and Edo states from the present East-West Road.

The group demanded the rapid cancellation of the proposed diversion and a return to the unique coastal alignment throughout all affected sections.

It described the reported change in alignment as a betrayal of the mission’s unique function, warning that it will additional marginalise coastal communities within the Niger Delta which have contributed considerably to the nation’s oil wealth.

Addressing journalists in Benin City, Edo state capital, National youth chief of PANDEF, Chief Hon. DonBen Donyegha, condemned the choice introduced by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to divert sections of the freeway from the unique coastal hall to the present East-West Road.

PANDEF stated the mission was conceived to attach Lagos with Calabar by means of coastal and riverine communities, offering improved entry to areas which have suffered years of infrastructural neglect, environmental air pollution and underdevelopment.

It argued, “the troublesome terrain and excessive development prices cited as causes for the proposed realignment shouldn’t be used to disclaim oil-bearing communities the advantages of the mission.

“The affected communities had endured the consequences of oil exploration, including pollution and gas flaring, while continuing to contribute to the country’s economic sustenance.”

The National youth chief additional stated the choice to redirect the freeway inland would undermine the targets for which the coastal street was proposed and reinforce the notion that the Niger Delta was being excluded from essential nationwide infrastructure.

The youth wing recalled the delay in President Tinubu’s assent to the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill, noting that the fee was ultimately established in March 2025 following sustained strain and protests by stakeholders within the area.

It stated the episode highlighted the necessity for the Federal Government to deal with the South-South pretty with out forcing the area to resort to repeated agitation earlier than securing improvement initiatives obtainable to different elements of the nation.

The group cautioned the President towards permitting forces inside his administration to make use of the freeway mission to undermine the pursuits of coastal states and communities.