The Nigerian Government on Thursday set up a committee known as the Niger Delta Riverine Protection Programme as part of efforts to end the violence in the Niger Delta region.

The committee, which is being coordinated by the Office of the Minister of Niger Delta and the office of the National Security Adviser is expected to liaise with stakeholders in the Niger Delta region to find ways to end the unrest.

Briefing newsmen on Thursday, the Coordinator of the committee, Tikari Danjuma says the programme is also part of the government’s initiative to address several years of neglect in the region.

He says the committee will work with critical stakeholders to recover illegal weapons, curtail the spate of bombings and the operation of illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region.

He said, “In order to consolidate on the peace process initiated by Mr. President, the Federal government, through the office of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has set up the Niger Delta Riverine Protection Programme.

“The programme is aimed at driving further the peace process initiated by the Federal Government. Part of the mandate of this programme is to recover illegal arms and ammunition in the region; ensure adequate protection of federal government assets in the region and curtail the incidence of illegal refineries in the region.”

Recurring attacks on oil and gas facilities by militants in the Niger Delta region has cut the country’s crude production – which stood at 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) at the start of the year – to around 700,000 bpd.

The attacks have slashed output at a time when Nigeria is grappling with low global crude prices which have hammered government revenues, weakening the naira currency and pushing up inflation to near 11-year highs.

To find a lasting solution to the Niger Delta unrest, President Muhammadu Buhari last week held a meeting with leaders in the region to discuss the way forward. (TV360 Nigeria)

•Photo shows National Security Adviser Manir Dan-Ali.

Update news