The House of Representatives on Tuesday chose not to consider a motion urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse the renaming of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to the Ministry of Regional Development. The motion, brought forth by Oboku Oforji (PDP, Bayelsa), was stepped down on grounds that “it has been overtaken by events,” according to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
Speaker Tajudeen disclosed that he had met with President Tinubu, who showed willingness to review the South-South Development Commission Bill, aimed at addressing Niger Delta-specific issues. Given this update, Tajudeen requested that Oforji allow the motion to be set aside.
House Leader Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) echoed the decision, stating that while the issues in Oforji's motion were relevant, the renaming of the ministry would not undermine the Niger Delta’s development. Instead, the ministry's scope would now encompass broader regional development initiatives.
In his original motion, Oforji highlighted the ministry’s creation in 2008 under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. This move, he argued, was intended to address the long-standing challenges in the Niger Delta, a region plagued by environmental degradation, poverty, and lack of infrastructure, despite being the country’s economic backbone. Oforji recalled the introduction of the Amnesty Program under Yar’Adua’s leadership, which helped ease militancy and foster peace in the region.
Oforji expressed concerns about recent tensions in the Niger Delta following the announcement of the ministry’s restructuring on October 24, 2024. He emphasized that this decision could be seen as a setback for a region that has significantly contributed to Nigeria's economic growth and stability, yet continues to grapple with developmental challenges.
