PANDEF faults Tinubu over scrapping of Niger Delta ministry

In a communique issued at the end of a meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on October 24, 2024, the Forum’s General Assembly noted with “serious concern the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta which was established to address specific issues bordering on the peculiar circumstances of the Niger Delta, it’s damaged environment and its overall importance to the national economy”.

“The Assembly further condemns that the Ministry has been dissolved into a non-existing body without due consideration to those specific circumstances that led to its creation nor consultation with the critical stakeholders.

“PANDEF, therefore, calls on the federal government desire to further discuss this matter with a view to addressing several specific concerns, especially at a time when the government is pursuing policies to radically increase oil production.

“The Assembly welcomes the proposed South-South Commission to supplement existing Federal Agencies. However, the name of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NÐDC) should reflect its functions and the actual membership.”