A coalition of professionals from the coastal and riverine communities of the Niger Delta has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027, describing him as a visionary leader whose policies are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s long-term development and economic transformation.
The endorsement was contained in a statement issued by the Conference of Niger Delta Coastal/Riverine People, an organisation comprising professionals from the region residing both in Nigeria and abroad.
The statement was jointly signed by the group’s Chairman, Hon. Lawrence Etta; National Coordinator and Director of Mobilisation, Mr. Fred Edoreh; Secretary, Henry Babatunde; Public Relations Officer, Wilson Bodise; and Research Officer, Comrade Victor Ibok, ANIPR.
The group urged Nigerians not to be distracted by what it described as political propaganda but to support the Tinubu administration’s ongoing reforms, which it said are critical to securing sustainable economic growth and national development.
According to the organisation, the Federal Government’s renewed attention to the development of coastal and riverine communities, alongside interventions by state governments and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is beginning to reverse decades of neglect in the region.
It particularly commended the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the project as transformative for the Niger Delta.
The group noted that beyond creating employment and business opportunities, the highway would improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities across the coastal corridor.
It observed that although the coastal highway had featured in Nigeria’s development plans since the 1950s, successive administrations failed to implement it until President Tinubu commenced construction.
The statement also praised the President’s support for the Niger Delta Development Commission, saying it had contributed to improved project delivery, including the completion of previously abandoned projects and the execution of new ones across the region.
Hon Lawrence Etta, National Chairman, Conference of Niger Delta Coastal/Riverine People
According to the organisation, increased statutory allocations to states have equally enabled governors to undertake more infrastructure projects in riverine communities, despite the high cost of developing the difficult terrain.
The group maintained that development requires deliberate leadership and expressed confidence that the current administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the lives of people in the Niger Delta.
It argued that continuity in government would ensure the consolidation of ongoing projects and reforms, warning that a change in leadership could disrupt the progress already recorded.
“For these reasons, we are calling on all true sons and daughters of the Niger Delta region to stand solidly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” the statement said, adding that supporting another candidate would amount to undermining the region’s development aspirations.
Beyond regional development, the organisation said it had assessed the administration’s policies and concluded that they were necessary to reposition Nigeria’s economy and strengthen governance.
It identified the removal of fuel subsidy as one of the administration’s boldest reforms, noting that subsidy payments had risen sharply under previous administrations and had consumed resources that could have been invested in infrastructure and other critical sectors.
The group recalled that although several past governments acknowledged the need to end the subsidy regime, President Tinubu was the first to demonstrate the political will to implement the policy.
It argued that the decision had expanded government revenue available for infrastructure development and economic growth.
The organisation also highlighted reforms in the electricity sector, particularly the decentralisation of power generation, transmission and distribution, which it said would enable sub-national governments to improve electricity supply.
Fred Edoreh, National Coordinator/Director of Mobilisation, Conference of Niger Delta Coastal/Riverine People
It further commended efforts to strengthen local government administration through increased allocations and greater financial autonomy, describing the measures as important steps towards grassroots development.
According to the group, ongoing discussions on the establishment of state police also demonstrate the administration’s commitment to restructuring governance and improving national security through greater devolution of powers.
While acknowledging that major reforms often come with short-term challenges, the organisation maintained that the benefits are beginning to emerge across key sectors, including road infrastructure, education, agriculture, power and human capital development.
The Conference of Niger Delta Coastal/Riverine People reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the development of the region while promoting civic education and political awareness among its people.
