The Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum (IYCF) has urged the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government to sustain the onslaughts against illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.
The IYCF on Monday in a release by High Chief Ebizimor Preye Raphael, the Chairman, added that the fight against illegal oil bunkering and vandalism would ensure a safer and more secure environment for oil production.
Newsmen, relying on the Open Treasury Portal, had previously reported that the Nigerian government spent N58 billion on ex-militant reintegration in 2024, with N8.8 billion of that amount spent in December alone.
Additionally, the 2025 proposed budget reveals that N65 billion has been earmarked for the reintegration of transformed ex-militants in the current year.
The Ijaw council chairman noted that it was time for the Tinubu government to buckle down and build the momentum on the fight against illegalities and economic saboteurs in the region.
He said, “The Niger Delta region, being the hub of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, plays a vital role in the country’s economic growth. Recently, Nigeria’s oil and gas production has witnessed a notable increase, reaching 1.81million barrels per day. This achievement can be attributed to President Tinubu’s strategic approach to addressing the region’s longstanding challenges.
“The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), led by Dennis Otuaro, has initiated various training and capacity-building programmes for ex-agitators, their families, and other beneficiaries.
“We have education and human capital development; fully funded scholarships; vocational training and post-empowerment support. Maritime and aviation training programme; the maritime and aviation training programmes have seen major advancements with 40 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) type-rated and 39 AMEs deployed for one-year on-the-job training (OJT).
“The initiatives and Achievement, particularly through the Presidential Amnesty Programme, have empowered Niger Deltans and promoted inclusive development. As the region continues to witness growth and development, it is essential to sustain the momentum and build on the progress made.”
