The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Usani Uguru Usani, has promised to address problems created by lack of even development in the oil rich region.
Usani said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Uyo.
He assured the people of the region that he would be part of the history that would see to the development of the region.
He noted that the ministry over the years has embarked on laudable projects mostly on roads, bridges, affordable housing and water projects in all the nine Niger Delta states.
According to him, the ministry aims at improving the socio-economic lifestyle of both residents and natives of the region.
“The Ministry has played significant roles in the region through the areas of human capital development and education, thus prioritising the needs of the less privileged through job creation, wealth creation and local content generation anchored on skill acquisition centres sited all over the region which will take of soon on completion.
“Thus achieving the aims and vision of the ministry which includes initiating and overseeing the implementation of Government policies aimed at even development and security of the region.
“Our functions includes coordinating the formulation of the development plan for the region through the Niger Delta Action Plan, formulate policies and programmes for youth mobilisation in the region.
“We advise the Government on security issues concerning the region and liaise with relevant Government, non-governmental and private sector organisations to formulate and coordinate policies for environmental management, liaise with host communities for the enhancement of the welfare of the people and the development of the region.
“We facilitate sector involvement in the region, plan and supervise programmes on public education and enlightenment, among others,’’ he said.
Usani said that the government was committed to the development of the region, hence solicited the cooperation, support and collaboration of stakeholders in the region.
However, he urged the people of the region to nip in the bud threats and kidnapping of expatriates and excessive demands by communities from contractors which often result in work stoppage.
He explained that because of the importance of the East-west road to the people, some other ongoing projects had been sacrificed to ensure the completion of the road.
He said: “The dualisation of the East-West road which commenced in 2006 and was taken over by the ministry at 10 per cent completion in 2010, is still ongoing.
“With the level of commitment by this administration, the road would be completed. Some sections of the road have been completed and are due for handing over by the contractors.”
Other road projects being handled by the ministry, according to Usani, include the reconstruction of 35.15 kilometre Owerri-Elele road, in Imo and Rivers states, reconstruction of Benin-Abraka road in Edo and Delta states and construction of 12 other roads spread across the nine states.
On challenges, Usani said: “The ministry is faced with budgetary constraints in the implementation of its projects and programmes.
“The terrain in most parts of the region makes infrastructural development a difficult task.
“High costs of projects and technology required for infrastructure projects as a result of the terrain constitute a serious challenge.’’
NAN recalls that the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr Stephen Oru, said work on the East-West road had attained 90 per cent completion.