Mulade Tasks Tinubu on Monumental Projects Like Third Mainland Bridge for Niger Delta

A renowned peace, environmental, and justice advocate in Delta State, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the construction of viable bridges and road projects that will connect Niger Delta coastal communities to urban centers.

Mulade said such projects are vital to unlocking massive infrastructural development, boosting economic activities, and increasing revenue generation for Nigeria. His call comes amid the Federal Government’s recent allocation of ₦3.8 trillion for the upgrade of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, announced by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi.

The activist commended the Tinubu administration for embarking on landmark infrastructure projects but urged that similar attention be given to the Niger Delta, particularly to road and bridge projects that will transform the lives of communities hosting oil and gas facilities.

“For instance, a project such as the Warri–Gbaramatu–Escravos Bridge, the Forcados–Ogulagha Bridge, or the extension of the Ayakoroma Bridge to Burutu Forcados Terminal would open up most coastal communities like Odimodi, Izon-Burutu to Age, and Obotobo, bringing rapid infrastructural and economic development,” Mulade stated.

He stressed that while oil revenue from the Niger Delta funds a significant portion of national projects like the Third Mainland Bridge, the region’s coastal communities remain neglected. “If ₦3.8 trillion can be allocated for Lagos, what is the fate of Niger Delta communities where oil and gas are flared daily, generating over 80 percent of national revenue?” he queried.

Mulade, who is also the Ibe Serimowei of the Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, lamented the continued marginalization of Ijaw-dominated areas. He accused some governors in the Niger Delta who are not Ijaw of deliberately depriving the coastal areas of impactful projects, while channeling development to upland areas to attract investors.

“The deliberate neglect has forced many of our people to migrate upland for education, healthcare, and business opportunities,” he said, adding that this has worsened poverty and underdevelopment in coastal communities.

He therefore appealed to President Tinubu to change the narrative by opening up Niger Delta’s coastal areas with bridges and roads that would attract investors, create jobs, boost wealth creation, and fully harness the region’s untapped blue economy.