The House of Representatives on Thursday declined a motion seeking to reinstate the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development.
The motion, sponsored by Rep. Oboku Oforji (PDP-Bayelsa), was withdrawn after Speaker Tajudeen Abbas informed members that the President had assured his support for the South-South Development Commission Bill.
Speaker Abbas explained to the House that recent commitments from the President rendered the motion unnecessary. “The motion has been overtaken by events,” he announced, underscoring the President’s backing of the South-South Commission initiative.
Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo), the House Majority Leader, acknowledged the motion’s importance but emphasized that the newly established Ministry of Regional Development, replacing the Niger Delta Ministry, would not reduce development in the Niger Delta region.
“It has only broadened its scope to address developmental needs across other regions,” Ihonvbere clarified.
President Tinubu had earlier on October 24 dissolved the Ministry of Niger Delta Development and launched the Ministry of Regional Development. This restructuring expanded the ministry’s mission to include development across all six geo-political zones in Nigeria.
In presenting the motion, Rep. Oforji reminded the House of the origins of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, established on September 10, 2008, by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua to address the needs of the oil-rich but underdeveloped region.
He cited the ministry’s role in reducing regional grievances and fostering peace through projects and the Amnesty Programme.
Rep. Oforji expressed that many in the Niger Delta view the ministry as a crucial part of their development aspirations. “The people of Niger Delta believe that the lofty dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of the region will be actualized someday,” he stated, expressing concerns over the ministry’s dissolution.
