The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors has revealed that the establishment and development of a functional seaport remains the most pressing need of the South-East geopolitical zone, according to the outcome of an opinion poll conducted among members and stakeholders of the region.
In a statement released and signed by Dr Uzor Ngoladi Secretary General Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) at the end of the poll, FOSAD disclosed that the survey was designed to identify the most urgent developmental priorities confronting the South-East, with the aim of stimulating policy conversations and drawing the attention of political leaders, development experts and relevant stakeholders to the infrastructural deficits affecting the region.
According to the results announced by the group, seaport development emerged overwhelmingly as the highest priority, securing 43.2 percent of the total votes cast in the poll.
Electricity came second with 20.9 percent, while security followed with 14.9 percent. Industrialisation received 11.5 percent of the votes, while railway infrastructure accounted for 6.1 percent.
Speaking on the outcome of the exercise, FOSAD noted that the result reflects the growing frustration of people of the South-East over decades of infrastructural neglect, economic marginalisation and the absence of critical federal projects capable of driving regional growth and competitiveness.
The group stressed that the absence of a functional seaport in the South-East has continued to hinder commerce, industrial expansion and export opportunities in the region, despite the entrepreneurial strength and commercial viability of the people.
FOSAD argued that a viable seaport in the South-East would significantly reduce pressure on existing ports in other parts of the country, lower transportation costs for businesses, facilitate international trade and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for youths in the region.
The forum further observed that the South-East remains one of the few major economic zones in Nigeria without adequate maritime infrastructure, despite its strategic location and contribution to the national economy.
On electricity, the academic body maintained that stable power supply is essential for industrialisation, technological advancement and economic productivity. The group lamented that many businesses in the region continue to struggle due to poor electricity supply, forcing entrepreneurs and manufacturers to rely heavily on expensive alternative energy sources.
Regarding security, FOSAD stated that insecurity has continued to threaten economic activities, discourage investment and create fear among residents and investors.
The group emphasized that sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of instability and violence.
The forum also highlighted the importance of industrialisation and railway infrastructure as critical components of regional transformation, noting that improved rail connectivity and industrial hubs would boost manufacturing, enhance mobility and strengthen regional integration.
FOSAD therefore appealed to governors of the South-East states, political leaders, traditional rulers, lawmakers, private sector players and other stakeholders to unite in advancing the developmental interests of the region.
The group urged South-East governors to intensify advocacy for the establishment of a functional seaport, improved electricity infrastructure, enhanced security architecture and other strategic projects capable of repositioning the zone economically.
FOSAD further called on the Federal Government to ensure equitable distribution of national infrastructure and development projects across all geopolitical zones, insisting that the South-East deserves greater attention in national planning and execution of key economic projects.
The forum expressed optimism that with deliberate political will, regional cooperation and sustained advocacy, the South-East can overcome its infrastructural challenges and emerge as a major economic hub in Nigeria and West Africa.
FOSAD reaffirmed its commitment to promoting intellectual engagement, policy advocacy and constructive dialogue aimed at advancing the social, economic and political development of the South-East region.
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