National Assembly drops motions to reverse Ministry of Niger delta

The House of Representatives has deferred a motion urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse the decision to change the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to the Ministry of Regional Development. Sponsored by Oboku Oforji (PDP, Bayelsa), the motion was put aside with the rationale that it was “overtaken by events.”

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas informed the House that he met with President Tinubu, who expressed willingness to receive the South-South Development Commission Bill, aimed at addressing specific issues in the Niger Delta. He suggested that the motion be stepped down in light of this information.

House Leader Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) acknowledged the validity of the motion’s concerns but argued that the ministry’s transformation would not diminish development in the Niger Delta; instead, it would expand its focus to include other regions.

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In his remarks, Oforji highlighted that the Ministry of Niger Delta Development was established on September 10, 2008, by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to foster policies promoting development, peace, and security in the Niger Delta. He emphasized the ministry’s role in addressing the region’s long-standing neglect and challenges, such as oil spills and lack of basic services, which have contributed to militancy.

Oforji recalled that Yar’Adua initiated dialogues with stakeholders that led to the Amnesty Programme, bringing some stability to the region. He voiced concern over the tension following the announcement of the ministry’s dissolution, stressing that it does not bode well for a region that significantly contributes to the nation’s economy and has maintained relative peace.