South-South Governors Forge Economic Bloc in Calabar

The South-South Governors’ Forum convened its second meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, on Monday, chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri. The governors resolved to create a robust regional economic bloc emphasizing infrastructure connectivity, investment mobilization, maritime development, and industrialization.

They identified key priorities, including regional rail development and the modernization of Calabar, Port Harcourt, and Warri seaports, alongside the economic potential of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The governors expressed their intent to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on critical regional concerns, particularly regarding infrastructure and environmental development, while pledging “100 per cent” support for his re-election in 2027.

The Forum plans to institutionalize its activities with quarterly meetings, with the next scheduled for Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from November 6 to 8, 2026. The meeting also addressed the need for a regional investment fund and emphasized the importance of youth involvement in economic transformation.