Momoh Highlights Achievements of Regional Development Ministry
The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has stated that despite facing challenges with transitioning following the expansion of its mandate, the ministry achieved significant milestones in its five key thematic areas.
According to the minister projects centred on infrastructure development; environmental protection and sustainability; community development, education, economic empowerment and human capital development; maintenance of peace and security; and coordination of development initiatives.
Momoh said this during a ministerial press briefing held on Friday at the National Press Center, Radio House, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
“Before the creation of the Ministry of Regional Development, our major responsibility was centred on providing interventions towards improving the socio-economic wellbeing of the people in the Niger Delta Region.
“With the new mandate of the Ministry, our areas of focus have extended to coordinating, overseeing and supervising all the established Development Commissions in order to enhance sustainable regional development in the country,” he said.
The Minister also noted that despite annual budgetary data showing a substantial decrease in resource allocation for project implementation, which could potentially hinder achieving planned goals, the 2023-2024 year under review still saw the successful completion of various projects.
“Data presented clearly shows that a total sum of N35,284,784,887 was approved for the Ministry in the years 2023 and 2024, out of which only N14,132,987,237 has so far been released by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
“The paltry amount is however grossly inadequate to address the challenges, as well as carrying out intervention in volatile areas like the Niger Delta Region. Today’s presentation focuses on our achievements as Ministry of Niger Delta Development, being the period under review (2023-2024).
“However, owing to our meticulous commitment to judicious utilization, adherence to the ethos of accountability, and financial discipline, we have been able to record significant achievements, including the completion of road projects, provision of water supply infrastructure, rural electrification projects, inland waterways development, and housing and urban development initiatives,” the Minister noted.
“Under the 2023 Appropriation, we implemented six mini-water schemes with a total capacity of 150m³ per day to deliver potable water. This has significantly reduced poverty and improved health and sanitation in the Communities.
“The following projects have been completed: water project in Ogunu Community, Warri South, Delta State; provision of water supply scheme in Owerri Town, Imo State; provision of 1No motorized borehole & overhead tanks & generating sets with 3km radius reticulation in Ndiya Community Nsit Ubium LGA Akwa Ibom State.
“Provision of 1No motorized borehole & overhead tanks & generating sets with 3km radius reticulation in Afia Nsit Atai, Ikot Ewang Akwa Ibom State; and construction of motorized solar borehole for communities in Oguta, Ohaji/Egbema West, Imo State.While in 2024, the following projects have been awarded and are at various stages of completion: 2nos. water schemes, including reticulation at Ugbo in Ilaje LGA Ondo State; and provision of solar powered borehole at Uwheru Village, Ugheli North LGA, Delta State.”
On rural electrification, the Minister said in 2023, the ministry completed the installation of six transformers in some communities in Biase LGA, Cross River State. Obio/Akpor LGA Secretariat, Rumudomaya, Port Harcourt, Eteo In Eleme LGA, Khana LGA, in Rivers State.
“We also completed the installation of 257nos. Solar Streetlights at strategic locations across the States of the Region, such as:Ikot Ukana, Ikot Ide And Abama Communities In Obot Akara L.G.A., Ekpo Ukwak Lane To Park Road In Abak L.G.A. of Akwa Ibom State; Ochochi And Okpodu In Yala LGA, Cross River State;Oghu Community Of Ewohimi, Esan Southeast LGA, Edo State;Orhionmwon LGA, Edo State;Ukana, Essienudim LGA And Nsit Atai LGA Akwa-Ibom ; and Selected Health Centres In Ukelle Yala LGA, Cross River State,” he minister highlights.
According to Momoh, the ministry has a mandate to formulate and execute plans, programmes and other initiatives as well as coordinate the intervention activities of agencies, communities, donors and other relevant stakeholders aimed at fast-tracking regional development in the country.
In discharging its responsibilities, the Ministry encountered challenge such as “Inadequate funding for project execution, poor and delay releasing of funds, high cost of implementing projects and challenge of transition from Ministry of Niger Delta Development to Ministry of Regional Development with its expanded mandates,” the minister added.
