Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, has said that ecological impact of gas flaring remains one of the major challenges confronting the Niger Delta region. He further said the Federal Government has not reinforced the relevant laws to stop gas flaring by multinational oil companies operating in the region.
The minister in a statement signed by Deworitshe Patricia, head of public relations unit of the ministry, while receiving the delegates of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons on the provisions of sustainable support to displaced and vulnerable persons in the country, said that there is need promote peace and understanding between the citizens and the government.
The Minister said the ministry is committed to redirecting the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) as an interventionist agency back to his mandate, adding that the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the NDDC will give total support to the Commission to execute its humanitarian services and provide durable solutions to the concerned persons all over the country.
Akpabio speaking further, charged the Chief Executive of the Commission to liaise with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and meet with the Ambassadors of those Countries repatriating Nigerians for economic reasons to ensure that there is peace and understanding between the citizens and the government.
Basheer Garba Mohammed, Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons , in his remark said that the Commission is seeking for mutual cooperation and partnership with all the stakeholders in giving psychological and physical support to all vulnerable Nigerians as the country is still faced with humanitarian challenges
According to Mohammed, there are about 2.2 million internally displaced persons in the country with majority in the North East while over 44,000 refugees majorly in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States of the Niger Delta Region.
Mohammed lamented on the meager budgetary allocation which according to him is grossly inadequate to meet with the needs of the commission hence the need for this partnership to provide skill development, empowerment and to ensure that displaced persons are adequately resettled.
“In year 2020, the Commission intend to move away from giving hand out to persons of concerns and provide more durable and sustainable support that will integrate them back into the society. We will also sensitize the Communities and the Youths on the dangers of irregular migration”.
Cynthia Egboboh, Abuja
