Niger Delta Ministry Renamed, Not Scrapped: FG Amidst Mixed Reactions"

"Niger Delta Ministry Renamed, Not Scrapped: FG Amidst Mixed Reactions"

The Nigerian Federal Government's recent decision to rename the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to Ministry of Regional Development has sparked intense debate among stakeholders and leaders in the Niger Delta region. The move, aimed at promoting regional development, has received mixed reactions, ranging from welcomed support to outright opposition.

According to Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Ministry of Niger Delta Development was not scrapped but renamed to Ministry of Regional Development. Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Minister of the newly created Ministry of Regional Development, clarified that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) remains in place and will continue to operate under the new ministry.

However, Elder Statesman and Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, expressed strong disagreement, stating that the move would deprive the Niger Delta region of its unique developmental focus. Clark alleged that the Federal Government plans to use the region's resources to fund other zonal development commissions. "The move is ill-informed and would deprive the Niger Delta region of its peculiar developmental focus," Clark noted.

Other leaders, such as former President of Ijaw Youth Council, Barr Eric Omare, and Niger Delta activist, Bar Kennedy Ota, also expressed concerns that the renaming would dilute the ministry's focus on the region's unique challenges. They argued that the ministry's primary objective was to address the region's specific developmental needs, which may be compromised under the new regional development framework.

"The Niger Delta region has historically faced unique challenges, including environmental degradation, poverty, and infrastructure deficits," Omare said. "Renaming the ministry without addressing these underlying issues is a step backward."

In contrast, some stakeholders welcomed the move, citing the ministry's perceived ineffectiveness and overlap with the NDDC. Convener of South South Reawakening Group, Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, stated, "The ministry had lost its relevance, and its scrapping is long overdue." Comrade Alagoa Morris, Deputy Director of the Environmental Defenders Network, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach to regional development.

"The ministry's renaming presents an opportunity to reevaluate our approach to regional development," Morris said. "We must prioritize effective coordination and resource allocation to drive meaningful growth."

The decision has sparked debates on the implications for the Niger Delta region's development and the potential consequences for the country's politics. Stakeholders are concerned about the region's developmental needs and potential consequences for the country's politics. The renaming raises questions about the region's developmental priorities and the role of the NDDC.

As the Federal Government moves forward with the renaming, it is expected to provide further clarification on the implications of the decision and its plans for the Niger Delta region's development. Stakeholders and leaders in the Niger Delta region will likely continue to voice their concerns and opposition to the move.

The decision may lead to a review of the country's regional development policies and the role of ministries and commissions. Zik Gbemre, Coordinator of the Niger Delta Peace Coalition, warned that the decision could escalate corruption and make the minister in charge more influential.

"The renaming could concentrate power in the hands of a few individuals, undermining transparency and accountability," Gbemre said.

The renaming has also sparked concerns about the potential impact on the region's economic development. With the NDDC remaining in place, stakeholders are eager to understand how the new ministry will coordinate efforts to address the region's developmental challenges.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the renaming of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development has significant implications for the region's future. The Federal Government must address the concerns of stakeholders and ensure that the new ministry prioritizes the region's unique developmental needs.

The Niger Delta region's development is crucial to Nigeria's economic growth and stability. The Federal Government must balance competing interests and prioritize effective governance to drive progress. The outcome of this decision will shape the region's trajectory for years to come.