THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE: ACTIVIST COMRADE SHERIFF MULADE URGES FOCUS ON NIGER DELTA INFRASTRUCTURE

A prominent peace, environmental, and justice advocate in Delta State, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on the Federal Government to prioritize infrastructure development in the Niger Delta region. 

His appeal comes on the heels of the government's plan to upgrade the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State with a N3.8 trillion allocation.

Comrade Mulade, a Prominent Chief in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, of Warri South West local government area, Delta State highlighted the neglect of the Niger Delta region, where oil and gas exploration and exploitation activities have had devastating environmental and economic impacts. 

He emphasized the need for landmark projects in the region, such as the Warri-Gbaramatu-Escravos Bridge and the Forcados-Ogulagha Bridge, to open up the area to infrastructural and economic development.

Comrade Mulade expressed concern that while the Third Mainland Bridge is receiving significant funding, the Niger Delta region, which generates a substantial portion of the country's revenue, is being neglected. 

He noted that 80% of the funds for the bridge project will come from oil revenues generated from the Niger Delta, yet the region lacks basic infrastructure.

He appealed to the Tinubu government to change the narrative by investing in the coastal communities in the Niger Delta region. 

He emphasized the need for affordable transport infrastructure to attract investors, create jobs, and offer opportunities for wealth creation. 

He also urged the government to address the alleged deliberate neglect of the coastal areas by non-Ijaw governors in the region.

The activist's call highlights the need for a more balanced approach to infrastructure development in Nigeria. By prioritizing projects in the Niger Delta region, the government can help unlock the area's economic potential, improve the lives of its residents, and promote more equitable development across the country.