Niger Delta Youths Issue FG Ultimatum: ‘Meet Our Demands or Face Consequences

By: Oladimeji Oyinlola

Civil society groups, led by Comrade Abdul Bako Usman, National President of Campaign for Democracy and Convener of Concerned Civil Society Network, are backing the Niger Delta youths in their demands for employment opportunities and grassroots developmental projects.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, November 16, 2024, Comrade Usman emphasized that development commissions in Nigeria, such as the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), were established to address specific regional needs, promote development, and reduce unemployment.

Comrade Usman stressed that civil society members are imploring the Federal Government to ensure that all commission heads meet the expectations of the people within the areas where these commissions are sited. He noted that the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sam Ogbuku, should resign or be sacked by the President if he fails to address the youths’ demands.

The Niger Delta youths, under the umbrella body of “Unemployed Youths of Nigeria,” have been peacefully protesting, demanding employment opportunities and developmental projects within the region. Comrade Usman warned that if the Federal Government fails to respond, civil society groups will join the protest, mobilizing other federal government agencies to ensure the youths’ demands are met.

Comrade Usman emphasized that it is crucial for the Federal Government to monitor the activities and actions of the heads of these commissions to prevent youths from being short-changed. He urged the Managing Director of the NDDC to listen to the agitations of the youths in his region and address them promptly to prevent the situation from escalating.

The civil society groups are committed to supporting the Niger Delta youths in their demands for development and employment opportunities, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.

Some of the Development Commissions in Nigeria include:

– North East Development Commission (NEDC): focuses on rebuilding and developing the North East region
– Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC): aimed at developing the Niger Delta region
– National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons: targeted at providing support to refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons