Group Decries Scrapping of Niger Delta Affairs Ministry

Sunday Ehigiator

The Optimistic Outlook Empowerment Initiative for the Niger Delta has strongly decried the recent decision to dissolve the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs established by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua to address the specific needs of the region, saying it symbolises a lack of respect for Niger Delta residents, and could hinder the welfare and development of the area.

Addressing journalists in a media briefing held recently, the group’s Executive Director, Mr. Somi Uranta, warned that neglecting the Niger Delta could rekindle unrest among youths, which had historically disrupted Nigeria’s oil production and economy.

He stressed that the wealth generated from the Niger Delta’s oil resources sustains Nigeria’s economy, making it critical to support the region’s infrastructure and local communities.

“There is a unique difficulty in constructing infrastructure in the Niger Delta due to its terrain. The roads and buildings cost significantly more to create in the swampy environment than in other parts of the country.

“If you want to build a two-kilometre road here, you would need seven times the budget used elsewhere in Nigeria.”

Uranta emphasised the vital role of infrastructure in connecting Niger Delta communities to the rest of Nigeria. He stressed that accessible road networks and rail lines are crucial for alleviating travel hardships and boosting economic opportunities.

Notably, Uranta pointed out that nearly every other region in Nigeria has a railway network, highlighting the need for similar investments in the Niger Delta.

He also addressed the challenges faced by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, acknowledging its limitations but emphasising its importance in addressing regional concerns.

He urged the government to focus on making the ministry more effective rather than scrapping it altogether, warning that doing so would restart progress from zero.

“Scrapping the ministry outright only restarts our progress at zero. We want the government to focus on making this ministry work effectively, not abandon it altogether,” Uranta said.

The activist further highlighted the shortcomings of government amnesty programmes aimed at rehabilitating former militants. He argued that failing to employ trained ex-militants has left many jobless, fostering frustrations that could lead to renewed hostilities.

Uranta also reflected on the devastating economic and environmental impacts of oil extraction in the Niger Delta, as he lamented the long-standing pollution and destruction of farmlands and water sources, which have upended the livelihoods of many communities.

Additionally, he criticised the rising poverty and despair in the region, exacerbated by the lack of basic amenities like clean drinking water and consistent electricity.

To address these challenges, Uranta called for greater accountability from Niger Delta leaders. He emphasised that region governors must implement sustainable programmes and initiatives to address youth unemployment and poverty, acknowledging the federal government’s responsibility while also stressing the need for local leadership to take ownership of development initiatives.

 Ultimately, Uranta cautioned that disregarding the needs of the Niger Delta poses risks to Nigeria’s stability, advocating a reversal of the decision to dissolve the ministry and serious engagement with regional leaders to foster peace and development.