Group urges increased funding for South-South Commission
The South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG) has called for increased funding for the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), alongside the immediate release of funds earmarked for its take-off.
Joseph Ambakederimo, convener of the SSRG, appealed while speaking to journalists on Friday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
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Nathan Tamarapreye, Bayelsa
The South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG) has called for increased funding for the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), alongside the immediate release of funds earmarked for its take-off.
Joseph Ambakederimo, convener of the SSRG, appealed while speaking to journalists on Friday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
He noted that the budgetary allocation for the SSDC in the 2026 fiscal year is grossly inadequate, stressing the need for both an upward review and prompt disbursement.
“There is a need to increase the budgeted amount. Beyond that, a larger proportion of the funds must be released to enable the Commission to effectively commence operations.
“The timely release of a substantial portion of the budget to the commission’s management for project execution will help stabilise the agency and accelerate improvements in the region’s infrastructure,” he said.
Ambakederimo further urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to release the funds without delay, noting that such action would stimulate economic activity in the region.
According to him, the Commission is headed by a highly capable female leader, whose effectiveness could be undermined by inadequate funding.
He recalled that the South-South Development Commission Bill was signed into law in March 2025 by President Tinubu, following its passage by the National Assembly in October 2024.
Ambakederimo warned that continued delays in funding could prove counterproductive, emphasising the need to prioritise projects with direct impact on citizens’ lives.
“The swift take-off of the Commission will drive industrial growth and promote economic development across the region.
“The South-South faces numerous challenges, including ecological and environmental issues arising from resource extraction and industrial activities.
“The Commission is expected to design and implement people-centred development policies and transformative projects across key sectors such as health, agriculture, education, transportation, industrialisation, social housing, water and sanitation, as well as the provision of electricity and communications infrastructure,” he added.
