The take-off of the contentious Maritime University and establishment of modular refineries for absorption of illegal refiners have been prioritised in Niger Delta.

The federal government has also listed as priority, the revamping of the pipeline protection contract, review of Amnesty Programme and the revival of abandoned project in the oil rich region.

The government’s determination for the development of Niger Delta has prompted the take-off of the Clean-up of Ogoni land which would be pursued to logical conclusion.

To demonstrate its seriousness, the government has concluded plans to release a substantial take-off grant for the university while awaiting the conclusion of legislation on the establishment of the university by the National Assembly.

The university located in Gbaramatu would be funded by the Petroleum Trust Development Fund as the lead agency.

The government has already directed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) and other stakeholders to design an effective funding model for the university.

The Presidency has also directed the NDDC to liaise with the relevant agencies and organisations to facilitate the construction of an access road through Escravos to the university in Gbaramatu.

The modular refineries would integrate operators of illegal refineries.

The refineries would be private sector driven, but operators of such illegal refineries would become shareholders with additional investments.

These were part of the comprehensive road map for the development of the restive Niger Delta, a Presidency source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

The implementation of the work plan would be anchored by the government in conjunction with the relevant state governments, development partners, the private sector and multinationals operating in the region.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has been chosen as the arrow-head for the implementation of the roadmap for the region.

The road map will sign-post the transformation of the region, comprises a diligent, new and comprehensive work plan that will address marginalisation and underdevelopment in the region. (NAN)

Update news