The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has declared that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) will soon have a Niger Delta security-focused Directorate.
This was disclosed by Ribadu during his keynote speech at the Niger Delta Development (NDDC) Stakeholders Summit on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
He emphasized that the establishment of the new directorate will enable the Federal Government to more methodically and expertly handle the special security issues posed by the Niger Delta.
“We are currently working closely with the governors of the region and the Presidency in making this a reality.
“When fully implemented, we anticipate that President Tinubu will likely present policy guidance that will define his security management posture for sustainable Niger Delta development,” he stated.
He emphasized the vital role the Niger Delta has played in the development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy, with the region providing roughly 75% of the nation’s foreign exchange revenues.
Mrs. Osaretin Grace, senior advisor in the ONSA, represented Ribadu, who emphasized the relationship between the stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria’s political and socioeconomic advancement.
“Prior to 2024, Nigeria was allocated a production quota of 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) by OPEC.
“However, the actual production stands at slightly below 1.4 million bpd, leading to a deficit of 400,000 bpd.
“However, the actual production stands at slightly below 1.4 million bpd, leading to a deficit of 400,000 bpd.
“This shortfall is primarily attributed to socio-economic challenges related to security issues like oil theft, pipeline vandalism, harmful artisanal refining activities, sea piracy and youth militancy,” he said.
The national security advisor conveyed Tinubu’s grave worries on the federal agencies’ inadequate response to the socio-economic problems, stability, and integration requirements of the area.
In light of the nation’s inability to reach its production quota for crude oil, Ribadu emphasized the need for the introduction of a cooperative policy and intervention framework.
According to him, the goal of the suggested policy was to end the current hostilities and move the people and towns in the area toward a more peaceful, stable, and cohesive nation.
“ONSA is presently engaging in consultations, collecting information, and data to assist President Tinubu in prescribing policies and enacting laws to address these issues in a more holistic and coordinated way.
“The policy envisions a string kinetic security approach to deter perpetrators of oil theft, artisanal refining, sea piracy and armed militancy.
“It also seeks to promote a value shift in an ideology, supportive of national harmony and integration,” he noted.
Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo and chairman of the summit, referred to the stakeholder’s forum as essential to the advancement of the area in his opening remarks.
“NDDC must prioritise environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic viability in all regional projects.
“This means investing in renewable energy, protecting natural habitat, and supporting local businesses.
“Efforts should be concerted to combat the poverty and environmental degradation plaguing the region,” Akimaru stated.
The NDDC Governing Board Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, declared that the commission has matched its initiatives with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He pointed out that in order to successfully actualize its regional mandate, the board has adopted a triple “T” strategy (Transiting from Transaction to Transformation).
He said that the NDDC management was making a concerted effort to restore the commission’s damaged reputation brought on by years of unfulfilled promises. In order to fulfill the goals of the Niger Delta people, this summit seeks to bring together perspectives and contributions from all relevant parties.
“We can make sure that our policies and programs are well-informed and get support by involving those who are knowledgeable, invested in the region’s growth, and directly touched by it,” he said.
The NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr. Samual Ogbuku, gave a status update on the Niger Delta and stated that the management board was concentrating on social welfare, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
According to Ogbuku, the summit’s goals were to create plans for sustainable development, actualize the renewed hope agenda, and devise methods for economic advancement.
