Currently reeling from the effects of low global crude oil prices, Nigeria's revenue has been hurt badly due to the government's heavy dependence on oil receipts. With only Lagos State really having a diversified economy in Nigeria, the government has realised that it needs to develop other areas of commercial activity.
Under plans to stimulate economic development in nine oil producing states, the federal government has acquired 270 hectares of land in each of the states for the creation of industrial parks. Already, the nine oil-producing states have commenced a partnership initiative for a common investment drive aimed at stimulating economic growth and employment generation.
States affected by the plans include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers. Under the plans, a common investment partnership, which is an initiative of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, is to be driven by a shared development module.
Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Pastor Uguru Usani, unveiled the initiative while briefing journalists at the end of a peace meeting at the Akwa Ibom State Government House in Uyo. According to the minister, special purpose vehicles were to be put in place to create ventures that would positively impact the states in the region in various sectors, including telecommunications, housing, community development, agriculture, and manpower development among others.
He added that private firm Broadbased Communications, will for instance, drive a fibre optic broadband infrastructure highway revolution in the states via a shared development module. This, he said, would provide broadband access aimed at impacting various sectors, including healthcare, education and agriculture, among others.
Pastor Usani stated that many organisations and development partners had been working in the region without fully involving the states, adding that it was time to synergise efforts with every relevant agency involved in the affairs of the ministry for an integrated development of the states. He said it was imperative to foster effective collaboration, particularly with the resurgence of recent violent agitations by new militant groups and other criminal elements in the region.
“In doing this, the ministry has the mission to formulate and execute plans, programmes and other initiatives as well as coordinate the activities of the agencies. The region has been bedevilled by security challenges arising from gap in job creation, poverty, hunger, environmental degradation, neglect and perceived discrimination.
“We are gathered here today to deliberate and chart a new course that will ensure relative peace. The government is desirous of dialogue with stakeholders on a way forward as the expectation are that the nagging security issues will be thrown up and comprehensively addressed,” the minister added.
He added that the ministry had embarked on the provision of infrastructure such as the construction of roads, water supply that have not only built capacity in water management and maintenance but are also in collaboration with five states in the region. He applauded the development partners for their continuous supports in the face of insecurity and paucity of funds in the region.
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