FIC REPORT (BAYELSA STATE) – Governors of the six South-South states have called for expanded Federal Government intervention to tackle environmental degradation across the Niger Delta, insisting that remediation efforts should extend beyond the ongoing clean-up of Ogoniland in Rivers State.
The governors made the demand at the South-South Governors’ Forum meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State, on Monday, September 7, 2026, under the chairmanship of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the Forum resolved to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on critical issues affecting the region, particularly infrastructure development and environmental remediation.
Reading the communiqué on behalf of his colleagues, Governor Diri said the governors would seek a meeting with the President to discuss the challenges confronting the region and the need for stronger Federal Government intervention.
He stressed that environmental remediation should not be limited to the ongoing Ogoni clean-up, but should cover other severely affected communities across the Niger Delta.
The governors said sustained attention to the region’s environmental challenges was essential to unlocking its economic potential, improving the living conditions of residents and promoting sustainable development.
The meeting was attended by the host governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
The governors of Delta, Edo and Rivers states were represented by their deputies—Sir Monday Onyeme, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa and Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu respectively.
Also in attendance were the leadership of the BRACED Commission, led by Ambassador Joe Keshi, and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), headed by Ambassador Boladei Igali.
Beyond environmental concerns, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to greater regional cooperation and coordinated action on the development challenges confronting the oil-producing states.
The governors resolved to hold their meetings more frequently, with sessions scheduled at least once every quarter, to ensure sustained attention to issues affecting the people of the region.
The next meeting of the Forum is scheduled to hold from November 6 to 8, 2026, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The governors also commended Governor Otu and the people of Cross River State for their hospitality and warm reception during the Calabar meeting.
Ighovojah Gloria Afure
Senior Information Officer
FIC Yenagoa, Bayelsa
08 September 2026
