Renaming Of Ministry: Intended To Move Beyond Rhetoric To Actualizing Developmental Objectives.....Minister Of Niger Delta Development.

Engr Abubakar Momoh

"The region, being the economic nerve centre of the nation, we are looking forward to a region that is built around a very peaceful environment. We want a Niger Delta region that is properly secured, with functional infrastructural system and where the economic activity of the area is growing from strength to strength." Engr. Momoh

The Honourable Minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Development, MNND, Engr. Abubakar Momoh has revealed that the renaming of the Ministry to Niger Delta Development was to move beyond rhetoric to actualizing developmental objectives which is embedded in the Ministry's mandate.

The Minister who disclosed this while outlining his programmes and agenda for the Ministry disclosed that "We all know that the Ministry of Niger Delta Development is critical and strategic to the economic development of the country, hence the implication of the re-designation of the Ministry is to ensure that everything about it encompasses the development of the region and we must brace up to face the challenges.

At the press briefing organized by the Ministry to outline the programmes and agenda that would foster transformation in infrastructural development, economic empowerment and ensure peace and security in the region, the Minister noted that his coming to the Ministry is to work together with related Ministries, Non-Governmental Agencies and other stakeholders, so as to be able to deliver on the mandate of Mr. President’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ which the ministry is expected to key into.

Engr Momoh stated that "Going forward, the Ministry would have to deviate from the past to making sure that the corporate objectives of the administration in the area are achieved

"The region, being the economic nerve centre of the nation, we are looking forward to a region that is built around a very peaceful environment. We want a Niger Delta region that is properly secured, with functional infrastructural system and where the economic activity of the area is growing from strength to strength." He said.

He observed that the challenges around the East-West road would be revisited particularly as it concerns the Eleme Junction and the economic importance of the road to the industries situated in that area.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, in his welcome address explained that the inauguration of the Ministry by late President Yar Adua was to ensure that development flows rapidly into the region. 

Dr Belgore revealed that, "The Ministry which covers nine states of the region, has carried out a lot of projects and programmes in the aspect of economic empowerment, skills acquisition, housing and others. 

"Though, in the past two months, the pace of development has slowed down due to the absence of a Minister, but we are ready to give you the maximum support in order to achieve the objectives of the Federal Government". He stated.

The press briefing was captured in the press release made available to the media by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Ahmadu Chindaya.