By Okoi Obono-Obla
The other day, I posted something concerning the Lagos–Badagry–Sokoto Super Highway, which the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has revived after being abandoned for more than fifty years. This project, originally conceived by the Federal Government decades ago, has now been concretized under Tinubu’s leadership. Yet, someone interrupted and listed projects being executed in Lagos, accusing the President of concentrating too much on Lagos. To counter this, I researched projects in the South East and North Central geopolitical zones, highlighting the administration’s balanced approach. Today, I turn my focus to the South-South geopolitical zone.
Some skeptics have thrown tantrums, accusing me of being patronizing to the government or seeking personal gain. Others rail about hardship, hunger, and insecurity—issues that are indeed pressing but not unique to Nigeria, as even developed nations grapple with inflation, hunger, and insecurity. While bread is essential for survival, man does not live by bread alone; sustainable development requires infrastructure, healthcare, and connectivity alongside food security.
Major Infrastructure Projects in the South-South (2025–2026)
– Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (750 km): Substantial construction underway, with 65 km progressing within Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
– Bodo–Bonny Road (Rivers): 35 km with 12 bridges, valued at ₦200 billion.
– Eleme–Onne Road (Rivers): 30 km, valued at ₦156 billion.
– East–West Road (Section 2): Intervention works valued at ₦186 billion.
– Nembe–Brass Road (Bayelsa): ₦150 billion project.
– Eket Bypass (Akwa Ibom): 9.7 km dualized road, ₦76 billion.
– Benin–Asaba Superhighway (Delta): 17 km dualized access road, ₦146 billion.
– Rehabilitation of the Lokoja–Benin dualization, with a 30-month timeline starting March 2025.
Health and Other Sector Interventions
– Cancer Care and IVF Units: New facilities at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) and Mbribit Itam.
– Aviation Expansion: New campus for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Osubi, Delta State.
South South Development Commission (SSDC) Act 2024
The Tinubu administration also established the South South Development Commission (SSDC), tasked with driving development goals in the region.
Powers and Responsibilities (Summarized):
– Regional Planning: Formulate policies and strategies for sustainable development in the South-South.
– Infrastructure Development: Execute road, bridge, energy, and industrial projects.
– Environmental Protection: Address ecological challenges, including oil spillage and coastal erosion.
– Human Capital Development: Promote education, healthcare, and skills acquisition.
– Economic Empowerment: Support agriculture, fisheries, and small-scale industries.
– Monitoring & Evaluation: Ensure transparency and accountability in project execution.
Conclusion:
The Tinubu administration’s interventions in the South-South demonstrate a deliberate effort to balance development across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. From highways and bridges to healthcare and aviation, the projects underscore a commitment to inclusive growth. The establishment of the SSDC further institutionalizes this vision, ensuring that the region’s unique challenges are addressed systematically.
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