President Bola Tinubu says he is abreast with and has put machinery in place to address the infrastructural gaps and challenges in the Niger Delta region of the country.

The president stated this while declaring open the sixth meeting of the National Council of Niger Delta (NCND) themed: “Stimulating Strategies for Economic and Development in the Niger Delta Region” in Asaba on Tuesday.

Mr Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Steel Development, Abubakar Audu, said efforts were being made to transform the region’s and indeed the nation’s infrastructural and economic fortunes.

The president noted that the meeting’s theme was apt, strategic, and appropriate to stimulate proper coordination of developmental programmes and projects in the region.

“May I reiterate that the Renewed Hope Agenda encompasses much more than driving economic growth in Nigeria.

“It is also about creating jobs, improving education and healthcare, reducing poverty, and building a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians.

” It is expected to bring succour to all citizens of Nigeria in these difficult times,” he said.

He, therefore, called on all stakeholders to key into the theme and ensure maximum deliverables were attained.

Mr Tinubu said his administration was committed to implementing the federal government’s efforts to address the challenges of underdevelopment and insecurity in the Niger Delta region.

“Government has developed a holistic plan for the development of the Niger Delta region and, indeed, all parts of Nigeria in terms of infrastructure, education and harnessing the bountiful resources of all parts of our great country.

“This is evident in the Ministerial Performance Bond for Presidential Priorities and Deliverables for 2023 – 2027, which was signed between the Minister of Niger Delta Development, myself, as well as with all members of the Federal Executive Council.

“To achieve these development initiatives, my administration deemed it fit to widen the scope of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development that is saddled with the responsibility of formulating and executing plans, programmes and other initiatives for the development of the region,” Mr Tinubu said.

In his remarks, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, while appreciating the council and all stakeholders, charged them with workable decisions that would spur development in the region.

“I also expect this meeting to develop the blueprint for a more robust and effective public-private partnership to accelerate industrialisation in our various states,” he said.

Mr Oborevwori charged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to ensure the completion of all abandoned and incomplete projects across the region.

In his goodwill message, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo observed that the resources meant for the region’s development had been misused over the years.

He lamented the over 30-year East-West Road project and called for a strategic meeting of the nine governors, regardless of political party affinity.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, while appreciating the stakeholders and the host, Mr Oborevwori, said the council would avail the ministry opportunity to evaluate its policies and programmes.

(NAN)