FG, EU to adopt new approach in tackling development challenges in Niger Delta
2 min read
By Chris Ochayi
ABUJA: Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh has disclosed that the ministry will deploy a new approach in tackling insecurity, environmental degradation and human development issues in collaboration with the European Union, EU, in order to foster a healthy development of the region.
Engr. Momoh, whoade the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja, when he hosted the Head of the European Union (EU) delegation, Mr. Ruben Alba Aguilera, sought intervention of the EU in some identified critical areas socio-economic challenges of the region.
According to the former lawmaker, the federal government in-line with its “Renewed Hope” agenda, have a number of plans which is being put together for the development of the Niger Delta region.
“We are charged with the responsibility of executing such plans and programmes for the purpose of developing the region both economically and in other areas. The Ministry also coordinates the activities of other agencies in-line with the Niger Delta Development plan,” he stated.
Speaking further, the Minister said that EU as an international body could intervene in some of the identified socio-economic challenges of the region and help to overcome some of the problems facing the people of the area.
Engr. Momoh, stated that the ministry, has embarked on several projects and programmes that are ongoing such as road construction & rehabilitation, provision of jetties, supply of water, construction of housing estates, skill acquisition Centres and others which we believe that if these projects are fully funded and expanded, will go a long way in checkmating some of the restiveness in the area.
“It is when you have peace that we can prepare for the production of more oil for the development of the country”, he said.
In his remarks, the EU representative, Mr. Ruben Alba Aguilera noted that the Niger Delta crisis is an age long issue which the EU has always been involved and are ready to be acquainted with the work that the ministry is doing and also to partner with it to get the problems resolved.
According to Aguilera, “we need to holistically look at how the ministry would address the challenges and how the EU can complement the ministry’s efforts in this regard.
“We also want to understand how it is working with other development partners and how we can work together with other development agencies to put together a strategy and working document to get an understanding of top priority projects that would create an impact in the region,” he said.
