“Group Urges FG to Accelerate WACA Participation for Development of Riverine Communities”

By Milcah Tanimu

The Delta Riverine Communities Infrastructural Development Initiatives (DRCIDI), operating under the Motivated Youth and Children Empowerment Foundation (MY-ACE Foundation), has called on the federal government to expedite Nigeria’s involvement in the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Resilience Investment Project. This move aims to access World Bank funding for the holistic development of riverine communities nationwide.

In a statement issued by the group’s chairman, Comrade Samuel Eyengho, the DRCIDI emphasized the necessity of extending the ongoing Lagos-Calabar coastal road project to key communities such as Escravos, Forcados, and Benin River, where multinational oil corporations are active.

Acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to Niger Delta development, the group urged the government to leverage alternative funding sources like WACA to enhance coastal community growth.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, the statement underscored the financial constraints facing the Tinubu administration and the substantial funds available from the World Bank. Specifically, the WACA project offers a significant opportunity to address coastal erosion and other environmental challenges affecting communities along Escravos, Forcados, and Benin River.

The group stressed the socioeconomic significance of these coastal areas, emphasizing their role in regional development and the need for interventions to mitigate environmental degradation and existential threats from oil and gas operations and climate change.

Furthermore, the DRCIDI emphasized the inclusive approach of the WACA project, advocating for active engagement with local stakeholders to ensure community participation in decision-making processes and long-term resilience.

In conclusion, the group urged the federal government to expedite Nigeria’s participation in the WACA project, aligning with the administration’s hope agenda and demonstrating commitment to addressing critical challenges and fostering sustainable development in the Niger Delta region and beyond.