N/Delta stakeholders back Diri’s infrastructure drive, advocate protection of public assets

Niger Delta stakeholders at the Bayelsa Infrastructure Rebirth 2.0 Breakfast Roundtable on Tuesday, endorsed Gov. Douye Diri’s infrastructure development agenda and called for stronger protection of public assets.

The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued after the roundtable in Yenagoa and signed by the Convener of the South South Reawakening Group, Elder Joseph Ambakederimo.

Participants urged the state government to sustain investment in quality infrastructure, describing it as a key driver of economic growth, investment and improved living standards.

They passed a vote of confidence on Diri’s administration for executing ambitious infrastructure projects, despite Bayelsa’s challenging riverine terrain.

The communiqué said ongoing projects had dispelled the long-held belief that the state’s difficult geography makes major infrastructure development impossible.

The stakeholders, however, expressed concern over the vandalisation of critical public infrastructure, particularly the recent attack that disrupted gas supply to the state’s new power plant.

They condemned the sabotage and urged security agencies, host communities and relevant authorities to strengthen measures to protect strategic public infrastructure.

According to the communiqué, safeguarding critical infrastructure is vital for uninterrupted power supply, economic stability and sustainable development.

The roundtable also called for the institutionalisation of the state’s infrastructure development agenda through a framework that would ensure continuity beyond the current administration.

Participants said integrating infrastructure planning into long-term development policies would preserve existing gains and guide future governments.

The convener, Ambakederimo underscored the need for sustained engagement between government and citizens on governance and infrastructure development.

He said continuous dialogue would promote transparency, strengthen accountability and build public confidence while keeping citizens informed about government policies and projects.

Earlier, the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, said the proposed coastal road to Brass Kingdom would position Bayelsa as a logistics hub for Nigeria’s offshore oil and gas industry.

Ayawei said the road would reduce travel time to offshore oil fields, attract private investment, create jobs and stimulate logistics, hospitality, marine transportation and related businesses.

The event, themed “Bayelsa’s Infrastructure Rebirth 2.0 Under the Assured Prosperity Government of Governor Douye Diri”, attracted government officials, professionals, civil society organisations, media practitioners and other stakeholders.