The House of Representatives has set aside a motion requesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reverse his decision to rename the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to the Ministry of Regional Development.
The motion, initially sponsored by Rep. Oboku Oforji (PDP, Bayelsa), was put on hold after Speaker Abbas Tajudeen cited that “the matter had been overtaken by events.”
During discussions, Speaker Tajudeen disclosed that he recently met with President Tinubu, who expressed openness to receiving the proposed South-South Development Commission Bill, which aims to address the specific needs of the Niger Delta region. Tajudeen suggested that the House halt further consideration of the motion, noting that it may no longer be necessary due to these developments.
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House Leader Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) echoed support for the move, emphasizing that renaming the ministry would not detract from development in the Niger Delta. Instead, he argued, the broader scope could enhance regional development, bringing equitable growth to other areas in need as well.
In introducing the motion, Oforji reminded the House of the ministry’s origins, noting that it was established in 2008 by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua with the intention of promoting development and fostering peace and stability in the Niger Delta. The region, despite being a source of national wealth through oil production, has faced decades of environmental degradation, limited infrastructure, and social challenges.
Oforji acknowledged Yar’Adua’s efforts in addressing the struggles of the region, noting the importance of the Amnesty Program, which facilitated dialogue and reduced militancy. He stressed that the ministry’s creation was pivotal for youth empowerment, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
The recent decision to expand the ministry’s scope, announced on October 24, has stirred anxiety within the Niger Delta, which fears the move could undermine years of progress and peace in the region. While some see the change as a path toward broader development, others worry it might dilute the focus on critical issues affecting the Niger Delta.
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