Current news on niger delta amnesty payment
Here are some recent news updates on the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme payment:
Latest Update (February 2023):
The Federal Government of Nigeria has released N13.4 billion as payment for the 2022 Niger Delta Amnesty Programme. This brings the total payment for the programme to N143.4 billion since its inception in 2009. The payment was made to 30,000 ex-militants who have benefited from the programme. (Source: Vanguard News)
Previous Updates:
- In December 2022, the Federal Government released N10.4 billion as payment for the 2021 Niger Delta Amnesty Programme. This brought the total payment for the programme to N130 billion since its inception. (Source: Premium Times)
- In October 2022, the Coordinator of the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, Prof. Charles Dokubo, announced that the programme had paid out N120 billion to 25,000 ex-militants since its inception. (Source: This Day Live)
- In August 2022, the Federal Government released N5.4 billion as payment for the 2020 Niger Delta Amnesty Programme. This brought the total payment for the programme to N110 billion since its inception. (Source: Leadership Newspaper)
Background:
The Niger Delta Amnesty Programme was established in 2009 by the Federal Government of Nigeria to address the militancy and violence in the Niger Delta region. The programme provides financial compensation and training to ex-militants who have laid down their arms and renounced violence. The programme has been criticized for its slow pace and lack of transparency, but it has also been credited with reducing violence in the region and promoting peace and stability.
Challenges:
Despite the progress made by the programme, there are still challenges facing the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme. Some of the challenges include:
- Delayed payments: Payments to ex-militants have been delayed several times, leading to frustration and anger among beneficiaries.
- Lack of transparency: There have been allegations of corruption and lack of transparency in the programme's operations.
- Limited opportunities: Some ex-militants have complained that the programme's training and reintegration opportunities are limited, making it difficult for them to reintegrate into society.
Overall, the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme remains an important initiative for promoting peace and stability in the Niger Delta region, but it faces significant challenges that need to be addressed.