ABUJA — Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has described the South-South region as the circulatory system of Nigeria’s economy, warning that decades of neglect have left its “arteries” clogged by underdevelopment, environmental degradation, economic marginalisation, and social unrest.
The senator, who represents Cross River North Senatorial District, made the remarks at the second edition of Road to South-South: The National Convergence of the Renewed Hope Agenda, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. The event brought together stakeholders from across the region to examine lingering environmental and economic challenges confronting the oil-producing states.
Jarigbe said the strategic importance of the South-South to Nigeria’s economic survival makes its continued neglect both untenable and dangerous. He noted that the region has for decades powered national growth through its oil and gas resources, yet remains burdened by poverty and ecological devastation.
“The South-South region is the very circulatory system of the Nigerian economy. For decades, it has provided the lifeblood — our oil and gas resources — that has fuelled the federation,” he said.
“Yet, paradoxically, the arteries of the region itself have been clogged with the plaque of underdevelopment, environmental degradation, economic marginalisation, and social unrest.”
According to the lawmaker, the region’s story reflects a tragic contradiction — immense contribution to national wealth alongside severe local deprivation and environmental depletion.
“This paradox of contributing massively to national prosperity while remaining impoverished at home is the heart of the national question we must resolve,” Jarigbe added.
He called for stronger environmental governance, urging authorities to hold polluters accountable and establish coordinated environmental monitoring systems across the South-South.
The senator commended the Office of the President, particularly the Senior Special Assistant on Communications, for convening the convergence, describing it as a decisive shift “from rhetoric to roadmap, from grievance to strategy, and from isolation to collaboration.”
He disclosed that Road to South-South 2.0 will prioritise agribusiness, renewable energy, education, and technology transfer, with the aim of translating global partnerships and investments into tangible local development outcomes for the region.
