The Federal Government has said developing the Niger-Delta is one of the major priorities of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo stated this while speaking at an event, Partners for Sustainable Development Forum, organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in Port Harcourt.
Osinbajo said the issue of the lack of economic activities should be addressed, stressing that it was one of the causes of youth restiveness in the region.
The Vice President, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Ade Ipaye said the Federal Government was ready to tackle the issues of social injustice in the Niger-Delta.
Professor Osinbajo also called for the diversification of the economy, adding that Nigeria will soon begin to explore other options of economic reform.
He disclosed that Federal government had created an infrastructure fund that will enable the government provide the needed infrastructure for the people.
He called for proper planning, especially with regard to funding capital project.
He said, “For President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration governance is backed within the context of ideas and ideals. In that context, doing and promoting what is right is not only ideal, it remains the only practicable and sustainable to developing a diverse nation such as ours. Governance is about finding practicable solutions to problems.
“We must change the recurrent narrative of the lack of economic activities and its associated restiveness of the young ones in the Niger-Delta, rather we must address the disturbing problem of environmental degradation and incorporate the realities of climate change.
“President Buhari is trying to make sure this country goes well beyond petroleum as diversification is no longer just a mantra for us but a destinative cause of action. From Agriculture to solid minerals, technology, retail, manufacturing, and so on.
“I am convinced that we have the human resources and the market to make it happen. For this region in particular, the overriding concern is that we should use what we have today to invent the future of the Niger-Delta.
“The strategic and statutory role of the NDDC in achieving this need not be over-emphasized.”
The event was well attended by major stakeholders.
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