A prominent peace, environmental and human rights advocate, Dr. Mulade Sheriff, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the construction of major bridges and road infrastructure linking Niger Delta coastal communities to urban centres, saying such projects would unlock the region’s economic potential and promote inclusive national development.
Mulade made the appeal following the Federal Government’s announcement of a proposed N3.8 trillion rehabilitation and upgrade of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. The project, unveiled by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, is aimed at addressing deep structural challenges threatening the long-term viability of the bridge.
The activist noted that the Federal Government had earlier committed about N21 billion to emergency repairs on the Third Mainland Bridge, while reports also indicated that the Carter Bridge in Lagos may require a complete replacement estimated at N359 billion after engineers found it to be beyond repair.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for embarking on major infrastructure projects, Mulade argued that similar attention should be extended to the Niger Delta’s coastal communities, which he said have continued to bear the environmental and economic burden of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
He specifically urged the Federal Government to consider strategic projects such as the Warri–Gbaramatu–Escravos Bridge, the Forcados–Ogulagha Bridge, and the extension of the Ayakoroma Bridge to Burutu and the Forcados Terminal. According to him, such infrastructure would open up communities including Odimodi, Burutu, Age and Obotobo to increased investment, economic activities and improved access to essential services.
Mulade, who is the Ibe Serimowei of the Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, maintained that while much of the country’s oil revenue is generated from the Niger Delta, the region’s coastal communities remain underserved in terms of critical infrastructure.
He questioned why communities hosting major oil and gas installations, including the Escravos and Forcados terminals, have remained without adequate road connectivity despite their significant contribution to the national economy.
The activist further alleged that many coastal communities have continued to experience neglect, forcing residents to travel long distances to access education, healthcare, commerce and other basic services.
He also accused some governors in the Niger Delta of failing to invest in infrastructure within predominantly Ijaw coastal areas, alleging that development efforts have largely been concentrated in upland communities.
Mulade appealed to the Federal Government to address what he described as decades of infrastructural imbalance by investing in transport networks that would integrate the coastal communities into the nation’s economic framework.
According to him, improved road and bridge infrastructure would attract private investment, stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and unlock the vast blue economy potential of the Niger Delta.
