Niger delta amnesty current news

Here are some current news updates on the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme:

Recent Developments:

  1. Extension of Amnesty Programme: The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme by two years, from 2023 to 2025. This decision was made to ensure the continued disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former militants in the region. (Source: Vanguard News)
  2. New Incentives for Ex-Militants: The Amnesty Office has introduced new incentives for ex-militants, including scholarships for their children, business grants, and skills acquisition training. This move is aimed at encouraging them to remain peaceful and contribute to the development of the region. (Source: ThisDay Live)
  3. Amnesty Office's New Strategy: The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang, has announced a new strategy for the Amnesty Programme, which focuses on empowering ex-militants to become entrepreneurs and create jobs in the region. (Source: The Nation)
  4. Concerns over Funding: There are concerns over the funding of the Amnesty Programme, with some stakeholders expressing worry that the programme may not be sustainable in the long term due to inadequate funding. (Source: Premium Times)
  5. Call for Increased Funding: The Coordinator of the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, Prof. Charles Dokubo, has called on the Federal Government to increase funding for the programme to enable it to achieve its objectives. (Source: Leadership Newspaper)

Recent Events:

  1. Amnesty Office's 10th Anniversary: The Niger Delta Amnesty Programme celebrated its 10th anniversary in October 2022, with a ceremony attended by top government officials and stakeholders. (Source: The Guardian)
  2. Ex-Militants' Protest: Ex-militants in the Niger Delta region protested in October 2022 over the non-payment of their stipends and other benefits. (Source: Punch Newspaper)
  3. Amnesty Office's Intervention in Crisis: The Amnesty Office intervened in a crisis in the Niger Delta region in September 2022, following a clash between rival cult groups in Bayelsa State. (Source: Daily Trust)

Key Statistics:

  1. Number of Ex-Militants: Over 30,000 ex-militants have benefited from the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme since its inception in 2009. (Source: Amnesty Office)
  2. Stipends Paid: The Amnesty Office has paid over N100 billion in stipends to ex-militants since 2009. (Source: Vanguard News)
  3. Business Grants: Over 1,000 ex-militants have received business grants under the Amnesty Programme. (Source: ThisDay Live)

These are some of the current news updates on the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme. The programme remains a critical component of the Federal Government's efforts to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta region.