Reps move to block renaming of Niger Delta Ministry amid controversy

The House of Representatives, on Thursday, put on hold a motion urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse his decision to rename the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to the Ministry of Regional Development.

This decision was made after Speaker Abbas Tajudeen revealed that President Tinubu had expressed willingness to receive the South-South Development Commission Bill, addressing specific Niger Delta concerns.

Oboku Oforji (PDP, Bayelsa), sponsor of the motion, emphasized the ministry’s significance: “The Ministry of Niger Delta Development was created to promote and coordinate policies for the development, peace, unity and security of the Niger Delta Region.”

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He praised late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s initiative, saying, “It was in his short term that dialogue was initiated with major stakeholders in the region and militants, culminating in the Amnesty Program that has brought relative peace.”

Oforji expressed concern over President Tinubu’s decision: “On October 24, 2024, the oil-rich region witnessed palpable tension following the announcement… This is not a good omen for a region that has contributed immensely to our country’s economic development.”

He stressed the region’s historical neglect: “Years of oil spillage, lack of arable land and social amenities have necessitated militancy.”

House Leader Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) argued: “The conversion… will not deny the Niger Delta region its due development nor reduce its impact but broaden its scope to other regions.”

Speaker Tajudeen assured: “President Tinubu is happy to receive the South-South Development Commission Bill to cater for specific issues of the Niger Delta region.”

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