By Charles Pemu 
Stakeholders from the South-South region on Wednesday raised fresh concerns over the environmental and economic state of the region, with Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe describing the area as the circulatory system of the Nigerian economy whose “arteries are clogged” with systemic neglect.
Speaking at the second edition of the Road to South-South: The National Convergence of the Renewed Hope Agenda, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Senator Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North Senatorial District, emphasized that the region’s centrality to Nigeria’s economic survival makes its neglect both untenable and dangerous.
Senator Jarigbe used a powerful analogy to describe the region’s current state: “The South-South region is the very circulatory system of the Nigerian economy. For decades, it has powered our nation’s progress, providing the lifeblood our oil and gas resources that has fuelled our federation.”
He lamented the stark paradox: “Yet, paradoxically, the arteries of the region itself have been clogged with the plaque of underdevelopment, environmental degradation, economic marginalization, and social unrest.”
The Senator stated that the regional narrative is one of “tragic paradox: wealth creation accompanied by wealth depletion; national prosperity alongside local poverty; and immense contribution with inadequate compensation.” He stressed that resolving this imbalance is the heart of the national question Nigeria must address.
To move beyond the cycle of complaints, Jarigbe called for a comprehensive Niger Delta Environmental Restoration and Sustainability Act. This proposed act would move beyond “palliative clean-ups” and ensure the total remediation of polluted lands and waterways. He stressed the need to hold polluters accountable and establish effective, coordinated environmental monitoring systems.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Hon. Gift Johnbull, launched the Road to South-South 2.0 initiative. She described it as a renewed push to deepen development and broaden the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda, bridging government and grassroots communities to ensure local voices shape national priorities.
Johnbull highlighted the success of the inaugural edition, citing Project Earn from the Soil which empowered thousands of farmers with labour-saving machinery. Road to South-South 2.0 will now strategically focus on agribusiness, renewable energy, education, and technology transfer, aiming to turn global training and investment into local impact. She urged stakeholders to collaborate, affirming that the South-South must be recognized not only as Nigeria’s oil belt but also as its innovation hub and a vital pillar for national unity and growth.