The Nigerian government will pay a monthly stipend of N50,000 for 10,000 youth in the Niger Delta, as part of efforts to address the current economic hardship in the country, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said.
Mr Akpabio said the plan was approved by President Bola Tinubu. He disclosed this on Tuesday during the Niger Delta Sensitisation Conference for ethnic nationalities, youths, and women held in Port Harcourt.
It is not clear how the 10,000 beneficiaries will be selected in an oil-rich region ravaged by poverty and unemployment.
According to him, the federal government is aware of the impact caused by the activities of oil and gas in the region. Therefore, the stipend payments will commence immediately through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
“The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will implement this scheme immediately to support 10,000 youths with N50,000 monthly to cushion the current hardship. We acknowledge the severe impact caused by oil and gas activities in the Niger Delta and are taking prompt action to address these issues. The economic challenges in our nation are known by President Tinubu and are already receiving the required attention to address them,” Mr Akpabio said.
The Niger Delta region remains the major driver of Nigeria’s economy due to the country’s dependence on oil and gas resources. The activities of oil exploration in the region have caused severe environmental degradation, including frequent oil spills and gas flaring, which have polluted water, soil, and air. The environmental damage has devastated local agriculture and fishing industries, primary sources of livelihood for many residents, leading to increased poverty and food insecurity.
The hardship has fuelled agitation among the youth in the Niger Delta, frustrated by the loss of traditional means of income and the perceived neglect by both the government and oil companies.
Beyond the region, Nigeria is facing its worst economic crisis in decades, with millions of families unable to buy food after inflation surged to 28-year high rates in the last one year, following the government’s removal of subsidy and devaluation of the naira.
A nationwide protest called over the crisis is set to start on Thursday, with the government making efforts to stop demonstrations.
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Mr. Akpabio said that the president has also approved the commencement of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, which will enhance job creation in the region.
Additionally, he said funds are being allocated for more projects in the Niger Delta.
He appealed to the youth not to join the planned protest, arguing that none of the points listed for the national protest captures the interests of the Niger Delta people.
“There is nothing in the 10-point agenda for the national protest that captures the interest of the Niger Delta. The organisers are merely copycats imitating the situation in Kenya, not minding the potential anarchy their protest will bring upon this country,” Mr Akpabio said.
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