The South South Reawakening Group (SSRG) has advocated for adequate funding for the South South Development Commission and release of funds earmarked for its take off.

Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener of SSRG made the call while speaking with newsmen on Friday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa capital.

He observed that the budgetary provision appropriated in 2026 for the South South Development Commission (SSDC) is grossly inadequate.

“There is a need to increase the budgeted amount, and this time, not only should the amount be increased, but a larger percentage of it should be released for the Commission to effectively get off the ground.

“Timely release of a substantial portion of the budgetary provisions to the management of the Commission for project execution would go a long way in stabilizing the Commission in the future and also enable us to begin to see remarkable improvements in the region's infrastructure.

“Therefore, we make this appeal to President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, to promptly release funds due to the South South Development Commission, which will invigorate the region's economy,” he said.

According to Ambakederimo, the South South Development Commission is led by a woman who can be described as an Amazon in her own right. and if the agency is starved of funding, this could weaken the management's ability to perform and inadvertently diminish her management prowess.

Ambakederimo recalled that the South South Development Commission Bill was signed into law in March 2025 by President Bola Tinubu after the passage of the Bill in October 2024 by the NASS.

“Continued withholding of funds will be counterproductive in the long run.

“Life-impacting projects are to be prioritized. The quick take-off of the Commission will further drive industrial growth and promote economic development in the region.

“Numerous challenges exist, such as ecological and environmental issues, as well as those caused by resource extraction and industrial activity.

“The Commission is expected to formulate and execute people-centered development policies and transformative projects in key sectors: health, agriculture, education, transportation, industrialization, social housing, water and sanitation, and most importantly, the provision of electricity and communication infrastructure,” Ambakederimo submitted.