.jpeg "Ex-Agitators: N10b yearly funding for Niger Delta states' development is woefully inadequate.")
The ex-agitators have observed that the budget is significantly insufficient and have urged President Bola Tinubu and the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, to intervene and undertake a thorough reassessment.
The aforementioned request was presented during a formal visit to the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh, in his office in Abuja.
As stated by the representative of the organization, Comrade Opuma Joseph, there is a recognition of the insufficient budget allocation for the Ministry of Niger Delta Development and the misappropriation of resources. Our intention is to engage with the President and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in order to advocate for an augmentation in the budget allocation.
The allocation of a mere N10 billion in the budget for a ministry overseeing nine states is deemed inadequate to adequately meet the region's requirements. We are resolute in our pursuit of the involvement of the President and the Senate President in this issue, as the establishment of this ministry was intended to tackle environmental issues, promote youth empowerment and engagement, and mitigate the developmental disparities in the region.
I would like to apprise you of our presence with the intention of actively engaging with you and familiarizing ourselves with your body of work. Another concern pertains to the significant obstacle posed by the East West Road for individuals residing in the Niger Delta region. If the aforementioned accomplishment represents the sole fulfillment that can be attributed to your stint as Minister, it would undoubtedly result in a lasting legacy. In relation to the matter of empowerment, we kindly beg that you take our organization into consideration whenever you possess the necessary resources to enact such measures.
We would also like to express our appreciation for your personal visits to the royal leaders in the Niger Delta region and former agitators. I experienced a sense of delight upon witnessing your initiation of that visit.
In response, the Minister conveyed his gratitude towards the group and remarked, "I attentively listened to your speech and I must acknowledge that it deeply resonated with me." In the forthcoming 2024 budget, our utmost effort will be directed towards accommodating a wide range of programs. I remain unperturbed as we are currently engaged in the formulation of a novel budget, wherein we shall incorporate any elements that we think essential to do.
I would like to express my gratitude for your valuable insights regarding the budget of the ministry. The current Senate President, who had prior experience as a previous Minister within this government, is already fulfilling the role of representing our interests and comprehending the pertinent matters at hand. If the budget of the ministry is increased, it will have a positive impact on all stakeholders.
Regrettably, the challenges in the Niger Delta region have frequently arisen as a result of actions or decisions made by individuals originating from the Niger Delta. The government has undertaken initiatives through the establishment of diverse institutions and agencies to provide assistance to the region. The minister expressed confidence that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the implementation of the renewed hope agenda and the eight presidential goals will lead to significant improvements.