The renaming of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to the Ministry of Regional Development has sparked strong reactions, especially from Niger Delta leaders like Chief Edwin Clark. Clark expressed disappointment, accusing the Federal Government of using the region's resources to fund other development commissions without proper consultation. He urged President Tinubu to clarify the decision, which many in the region view as a potential loss for their development efforts.
The newly appointed Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, reassured the public that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) remains operational. He clarified that the renaming was a restructuring effort to oversee not only the NDDC but other regional commissions across Nigeria, insisting that it would not diminish the focus on the Niger Delta region.
However, many Niger Delta activists and leaders like former Ijaw Youth Council President Barr. Eric Omare argue that merging the ministry with others strips it of its unique focus. They highlight the Niger Delta’s distinct developmental challenges and fear the region will lose the attention it has traditionally received.
Meanwhile, a few voices, including Joseph Ambakederimo, supported the move, stating the scrapping of the ministry was long overdue due to inefficiencies. Ambakederimo claimed the ministry had failed to deliver any significant projects, advocating instead for stronger NDDC reforms to enhance development in the Niger Delta.
