_AT News Commentary_
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle, aimed at boosting efficiency, has raised questions, especially regarding the Niger Delta region. A key decision was the scrapping of the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, which had focused on the development needs of this oil-rich region. The Ministry has now been merged into the newly created Ministry of Regional Development. However, many believe this change leaves the Niger Delta region at a disadvantage.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), established by law to support nine coastal states — including Ondo (South West), Imo, and Abia (South East) — has long been seen as less focused on its core Niger Delta states. This restructuring has exacerbated concerns, as these three states benefit from both the NDDC and their respective regional commissions, such as the South East and South West Development Commissions.
By contrast, the Niger Delta no longer has a Ministry solely dedicated to its interests. Prominent Niger Delta leader, Chief Edwin Clark, criticized this decision, stating that the original purpose of the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry— established by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua — was to address the region’s development and security issues. Clark emphasized that the government did not adequately consult Niger Delta leaders before making this change.
Despite assurances from the new Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, that the NDDC remains intact and the Ministry’s scope has only expanded, concerns persist. Many in the region feel that their development needs are being sidelined, while states like Ondo, Imo, and Abia gain dual benefits from both regional commissions and the broader Ministry of Regional Development.
Whether these explanations will ease the frustrations in the Niger Delta remains uncertain, but the reorganization has undeniably given certain states a better economic advantage.
AT