Previous development plans in the Niger Delta failed due to lapses in implementation, insufficient coordination and the absence of a coherent framework to drive the process, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godsday Orubebe, has said.
His declaration came as various stakeholders in the region, yesterday called for a whole-hearted implementation of the evolving Niger Delta Action Plan, to break the region from the shackles of underdevelopment.
Orubebe, who spoke at a stakeholders’ conference and the inaugural meeting of the National Council on Niger Delta, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said for too long, the people of the region have suffered what he described as development paradox, prompting successive administrations to take series of measures to address this.
The minister, however, noted that in spite of the well-intentioned efforts of the past and present, the region was bereft of a development strategy that is consistent in vision, coherent in implementation process and rooted on a sound accountability framework.
He said the stakeholders conference was aimed at exploring the process of reinforcing the landscape for stability, peace, and development for the people of Niger Delta.
"We seek to deliver on President Jonathan's commitment to tackle the development challenges in the Niger Delta. The president is very aware that the gains of the amnesty process cannot be sustained without a comprehensive and coherent development framework," he said.
Orubebe noted that the Niger Delta Action Plan, which was a collaborative development effort of his ministry and other global development partners was meant to effectively address development needs in the region through a coherent framework, effective coordination and implementation.
Orubebe noted that the Niger Delta Action Plan, which was a collaborative development effort of his ministry and other global development partners was meant to effectively address development needs in the region through a coherent framework, effective coordination and implementation.
The Action Plan, he added, outlines a broad vision of development for the region, spelling out goals to which "we all aspire, specifies a set of tangible near-term outcomes and identifies specific indicators for verification."
In his goodwill message, a former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Timi Alaibe, said he personally attended the conference because he was moved by the title 'Action Plan'.
Alaibe said the region needed a comprehensive action plan similar to that of a former leader of the United States of America in 1948.
He advised that previous reports on the Niger Delta should be revisited with relevant portions built into the new Action Plan.
He advised that previous reports on the Niger Delta should be revisited with relevant portions built into the new Action Plan.
He pointed out that no action plan could succeed without funding strategies, and ' stakeholders buying', among others.
Alaibe solicited the support and collaboration of all to avoid a fragmented development.
Alaibe solicited the support and collaboration of all to avoid a fragmented development.
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