IYC demands immediate reinstatement of Niger delta Ministry

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), the umbrella body for Ijaw youths worldwide, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s reported plans to dissolve the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. The council warned that making decisions without consulting the people is a dangerous path that could lead to unrest. In a press briefing, the IYC emphasized its opposition to the move, arguing that as a key stakeholder in the region, it cannot support the scrapping of the ministry.

In a statement signed by spokesman Binebia Princewill, the IYC described the president’s decision to dissolve the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs as a major blow to the region. They condemned the action as a form of neo-colonialism and internal oppression, which further marginalizes the Niger Delta. The council called for the immediate reinstatement of the ministry, expressing solidarity with the people of the region in their fight against what they see as continued exploitation and the denial of their rights to self-determination and resource control.

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The IYC further criticized the government’s decision to rebrand the ministry as the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, which is intended to oversee all regional commissions, including the Northwest and Northeast Development Commissions. The council argued that this new structure does not adequately replace the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, nor does it address the specific needs of the Niger Delta region.

The statement also emphasized that despite the region’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy through oil and gas, the Niger Delta remains severely underdeveloped, neglected, and economically exploited by successive governments. The IYC pointed out the stark contrast between the 13% allocated to oil-bearing communities under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which was later reduced to just 3%, compared to the 10% for frontier basins. The council called these measures politically unjust and claimed that the Niger Delta deserves more attention and resources given its immense contribution to the national economy.