Elder statesman and Ijaw nation leader, Chief Edwin Clark has expressed shock and disappointment over the federal government’s decision to abolish the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
President Bola Tinubu had announced the dissolution of the ministry, along with the Ministry of Sports Development, in a major cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday.
Clark observed that the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs was established by former President Yar’Adua to address the region’s pressing security and development challenges.
He emphasized that scrapping the ministry undermines the federal government’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of the Niger Delta region.
“The ministry was specifically created to tackle the Niger Delta’s challenges. Its dissolution is a setback for our people,” Clark stated.
In its place the federal government has announced the establishment of a new Ministry of Regional Development to oversee all regional development commissions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission.
However, Clark fears the move may dilute the focus on the region’s specific issues.
The development has sparked concerns about resource control and regional development in Nigeria.
Historically, the Niger Delta region has bwen contending with environmental degradation, poverty, and insecurity due to oil exploration.
he asserted that there is no justification for this decision, pointing out that the ministry had a clear mandate to promote peace and development.
He criticized the lack of development plans and funding from the government, noting that critical projects like the East-West Road remain unaddressed since its transfer back to the Ministry of Works.
He raised concerns about the federal government’s commitment to regional development, questioning whether multiple development commissions would effectively serve the needs of the region.
Clark recalled the outcomes of the 2014 national conference, where agreements were made to increase revenue allocation to the Niger Delta and establish funding for post-conflict recovery—agreements that he felt have not been honored.
Clark stressed the necessity for the government to engage with leaders from the Niger Delta and South-South regions to ensure their perspectives are included in future plans.
He called for transparency regarding the government’s strategy for regional development, emphasizing that the interests of the Niger Delta cannot be sidelined.
He concluded by stating that a democratic government should prioritize the welfare of its citizens, rather than operate in isolation or without public input.