In response to criticisms surrounding the recent reorganization of the Niger Delta Ministry, Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Tinubu, has clarified that the restructuring is designed to enhance regional development, not marginalize the Niger Delta. Onanuga spoke during an interview from 28, with Channels Television’s “Inside Sources,” where he addressed concerns raised by prominent activist Asari Dokubo, who had expressed dissatisfaction with the restructuring, claiming it undermines the Niger Delta’s specific needs.
“That’s an unfair comment made by Asari Dokubo. If he had thought about it very well, he would find out that nothing has really changed,” Onanuga asserted. He clarified that the ministry’s recent renaming to the Ministry of Regional Development was strategic, aiming to streamline services across Nigeria’s various regional commissions, including those yet to launch, like the Southeast Commission and other regions with significant developmental needs.
Under the restructure, Onanuga emphasized, the Niger Delta’s essential programs remain intact. “For the Niger Delta, we still have the Amnesty Program well-funded, and of course, the NDDC is there to perform its function,” he stated, noting that Dokubo’s comments appeared to overlook these ongoing support mechanisms.
The renaming and broadened mandate, according to Onanuga, allow the ministry to cater to the impending establishment of new regional commissions that will address the development needs across Nigeria, which aims to foster a more integrated national approach. “This President is not an enemy of Niger Delta,” he concluded, addressing concerns that the Niger Delta would lose its priority status within the new framework.