President Bola Tinubu has approved a monthly stipend of ₦50,000 for 10,000 youths in the Niger Delta as part of efforts to alleviate the economic hardship in the region. This announcement was made by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, during the Niger Delta Sensitisation Conference for ethnic nationalities, youths, and women held in Port Harcourt.

Implementation Under NDDC Youth Intensive Scheme

Akpabio revealed that the payments will be facilitated through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Youth Intensive Scheme. Initially, the scheme is set to run for 12 months, with the possibility of an extension based on its effectiveness and the needs of the beneficiaries.

He highlighted that this initiative is part of Tinubu’s broader strategy to address the challenges faced by the Niger Delta region, urging the youths to avoid participation in the planned national protest scheduled for August 1. “The NDDC will implement this scheme immediately, supporting 10,000 youths with ₦50,000 monthly to alleviate the current economic hardship,” Akpabio said.

Addressing Regional Challenges

Acknowledging the adverse effects of oil and gas activities on the Niger Delta, Akpabio emphasized that the government is committed to taking prompt and meaningful action to address these issues. He assured that the economic challenges facing the nation are well understood by President Tinubu, who is actively working on solutions to ease the burden on citizens.

In addition to the stipend, Tinubu has also given the green light for the simultaneous commencement of the Lagos to Calabar coastal highway project, which is anticipated to create thousands of job opportunities for the youths in the region. Akpabio noted that this project represents a significant step towards fulfilling the developmental needs of the Niger Delta.

Warning Against National Protest

Akpabio warned against the upcoming national protest, describing it as an attempt by unknown entities to incite disorder across the country. “There is nothing in the 10-point agenda of the protest that serves the interest of the Niger Delta,” he remarked, pointing out that the organizers are merely emulating unrest seen in other countries, without considering the potential chaos it could bring to Nigeria.

He urged patience from the citizens, explaining that the Federal Government’s policies and programs require time to yield results, and emphasized that one year is insufficient to fully gauge the success of these initiatives.

Calls for Support of the Federal Government

In his remarks, Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, appealed to the youth to support Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda rather than joining the protest. He called for calm and urged the immediate implementation of resolutions from the recent Niger Delta Summit to fast-track development in the region.

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, echoed this sentiment, warning that the protest could further harm the nation’s economy, which is already struggling to recover. He attributed the current economic difficulties to necessary reforms such as the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the naira exchange rate, which were implemented to prevent economic collapse.

Focus on Economic Revival and Empowerment

NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, provided additional context, explaining that President Tinubu inherited a challenging economy but has already initiated programs aimed at revitalizing it. He noted that the Niger Delta is beginning to see the benefits of long-standing demands for development under the current administration.

Dr. Ogbuku outlined ongoing efforts such as Project HOPE, which aims to bridge the skill gaps among the region’s youth, and partnerships with the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce and the Bank of Industry to support small and medium-sized enterprises and fund empowerment initiatives. He strongly urged youths to refrain from participating in protests that could disrupt the country’s progress and further impoverish the people.

In conclusion, the Federal Government’s commitment to the Niger Delta is clear, and patience is needed to see the full impact of these initiatives unfold.

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