Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, yesterday said over 50 projects were awaiting inauguration in the region.
He blamed the COVID-19 pandemic for the delay.
He spoke with newsmen after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
Akpabio said FEC approved N500 million as a variation for the completion of a road project in Delta State under his ministry’s supervision and which is at a 97 percent completion stage.
“The Ministry of Niger-Delta Affairs presented two memos at the FEC and both were approved.
“One was augmentation or variation of the contract for the construction of Bulu-Ogriagbene Road in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State. It’s about 18.7 kilometers being handled by SETRACO.
“The initial contract price was about N8.5 billion and with the variation price, the contract price is now about N9 billion and FEC approved that variation.
“The 18.7 kilometers road is 97 percent completed. They have been given about six months to ensure total completion of the road. So, that was approved today. I thank Mr. President and members of FEC for it.”
He said that the second memo was for the Strategic Implementation Work Plan (SIWP) for the Niger Delta region.
The minister said: “The intention here is to have a web-based monitoring system or e-portal.
“All the MDAs (ministries, department, and agencies, IOCs (international oil companies), development partners, non-governmental organizations, states, and local governments that are involved in implementing projects in Niger Delta region, will have all their projects key into that portal.
“At the touch of the button, you can see what each is doing as they add value to the Niger Delta region.
“This will help in coordination and in stopping duplication of projects. It will also help in stopping false accusations. For instance, the Federal Government is doing so much through the Ministry of Niger Delta.
“You know most of those projects are owned by either the local government or state government without the knowledge of the people.
“We have about 50 projects completed and ready for commissioning done by the ministry, not the NDDC (Niger Delta Development Commission).
“So, those projects will be in that portal so that you can sit down in the comfort of your bedroom, and look at what the Ministry of Niger Delta has done for your state and community.”
Also yesterday, the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide (IYC) said the government was yet to address contentious issues of development and empowerment of the Niger Delta.
Its spokesman, Mr. Ebilade Ekerefe, said the proposed 2.5 percent to host communities in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) must be increased to 10 percent.
He said: “Ijaw youths will not accept any equity shareholding less than 10 percent to the host communities as demanded by our people. If this is done, it will bring lasting peace to the region.”
He said not allowing capable professionals from the region to participate in the bidding for licenses to own oil blocs in the region could also affect the peace.
