The Pan Niger Delta Forum has called on leaders and residents of Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone to embrace 2026 as a year of renewed peace, stability, and development, urging collective action to consolidate recent gains across the Niger Delta.
The appeal was made in a New Year message issued by PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, as the region marks the beginning of the new year.
In the statement, PANDEF expressed gratitude for the passage into 2026, describing the New Year as a significant milestone for the Niger Delta and its people. The group said the region’s progress over the past year was made possible by resilience, faith, and cooperation among its diverse communities and leadership structures.
PANDEF extended New Year felicitations to political leaders, traditional rulers, faith leaders, and development institutions operating in the region. Special recognition was given to agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission and the South-South Development Commission for their roles in supporting development initiatives across the zone.
The forum noted that the Niger Delta is entering another important phase that offers opportunities to strengthen its position as a key driver of national growth. It emphasized that development efforts must increasingly translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of residents, particularly in the areas of healthcare delivery and access to quality education.
According to the statement, empowering women and young people remains critical to the region’s long-term stability and economic progress. PANDEF stressed that targeted investments and inclusive policies are needed to ensure that these groups can contribute meaningfully to development and benefit from emerging opportunities.
The forum also highlighted the need for accelerated physical and infrastructural development across the South-South states. It said improved roads, public utilities, and social infrastructure are essential for unlocking economic potential and improving connectivity within and beyond the region.
Environmental remediation featured prominently in the New Year message, with PANDEF reiterating that the clean-up and restoration of oil-polluted communities must remain a top priority. The group said decades of hydrocarbon exploration have left lasting environmental damage that continues to affect livelihoods, public health, and economic sustainability.
Reflecting on the security situation, PANDEF observed that much of the region, including states such as Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Edo, has experienced relative peace and improved security. The forum described these developments as encouraging signs that sustained dialogue and cooperation can yield positive outcomes.
The statement also referenced Rivers State, noting that the period of emergency measures in the state has ended and that the state is now witnessing what PANDEF described as unprecedented progress. The group said this development underscores the importance of stability and responsible leadership in driving growth.
PANDEF warned, however, that peace must not be taken for granted. It urged communities, government authorities, and security agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing potential threats or breaches that could undermine stability in the region.
According to the forum, closer collaboration among stakeholders will be essential for sustaining peace and security. It argued that social and economic advancement in the Niger Delta is closely linked to a stable environment where businesses can operate and communities can thrive without fear.
The group reaffirmed the Niger Delta’s long-standing role as a major contributor to Nigeria’s national economy, particularly through its oil and gas resources. It called on residents to remain united and guided by shared values as they work toward a more prosperous future.
PANDEF concluded by encouraging the people of the Niger Delta to enter 2026 with renewed faith and determination. It expressed optimism that, with collective effort and a continued commitment to peace, the region can achieve lasting development and contribute even more significantly to national progress.
The message ended with New Year greetings to the people of the Niger Delta and Nigerians at large, underscoring PANDEF’s call for unity, peace, and sustainable development in the year ahead.
