Since his appointment as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, by President Bola Tinubu on 14 March 2024, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Brutu Otuaro has spearheaded a series of transformative reforms that have redefined the programme’s impact. Within his first year in office, he has introduced innovative strategies aimed at enhancing the reintegration of ex-agitators, fostering sustainable development in the Niger Delta, and ensuring the programme fulfils its mandate with greater efficiency and accountability.  writes that his leadership has not only revitalised PAP but also reaffirmed its role in promoting lasting peace and economic empowerment in the region

 Dr. Dennis Otuaro, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on March 14, 2024, as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has brought unprecedented reforms and achievements to the programme within his first year in office. 

As the Ibe-Uyadonwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Dr. Otuaro’s leadership has been instrumental in repositioning the PAP for greater service delivery to the Niger Delta people. Education and Experience Otuaro holds a PhD in Comparative Politics & Development Studies, an MSc in Public Administration, and a BSc in Education. 

His extensive experience spans multiple sectors, including infrastructure development, security, environmental remediation, and oil and gas. He has served as a top-level executive at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and as Chief Protocol Officer to the Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC). 

 Otuaro’s leadership traits were evident during his university days, where he was involved in student activism. He has successfully navigated the political terrain, securing support from various stakeholders to execute projects and initiatives. His company, Owelle Global Resources, has thrived in the Logistics and Consultancy sector, with excellent records in programme execution and project support. 

 The PAP boss was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Ibe Uyadonwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom at 30. He is married to Mrs. Ebimoboere Otuaro, whom he credits for his successes. Otuaro is driven by his desire to see the Niger Delta region accorded its deserved place in the Nigerian project, with a vision for improved infrastructure, industries, schools, and healthcare facilities. 

 Dr. Otuaro’s tenure as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has ushered in a period of strategic reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and overall impact. Over the past year, PAP has recorded significant progress in data management, education, vocational training, stakeholder engagement, and administrative efficiency. These accomplishments underscore Dr. Otuaro’s dedication to ensuring that PAP remains a vital tool for sustainable peace and development in the Niger Delta. 

The Data Management Unit has played a pivotal role in strengthening PAP’s beneficiary records. In 2024, the unit verified 12,467 records, identified and corrected 783 duplicate or incomplete profiles, and removed 1,129 obsolete records. Efforts to resolve data discrepancies resulted in 528 cases being addressed, including 210 financial record inconsistencies. 

Database updates were a priority, with 3,215 new entries added and 9,253 records updated to reflect graduations and training completions. Interdepartmental collaboration was enhanced through 152 data exchange sessions, integrating 6,842 shared records into broader PAP initiatives. 

Security measures were reinforced by resolving 43 access control issues and implementing 12 new protocols to protect sensitive information. System performance was also optimised with three major infrastructure upgrades and the resolution of 27 technical issues. 

Under Otuaro’s leadership, the Education Department successfully deployed 1,554 onshore students to institutions for the 2024/2025 academic session, alongside 10 offshore students in the UK, USA, and Canada. 

Graduation milestones were equally significant, with 316 onshore students completing their programs, including 41 Nigerian Law School graduates, and 10 offshore students earning their degrees. To ensure effective monitoring, verification exercises covered 1,594 students across 69 institutions. Facility inspections were conducted at six universities, and five new institutional partnerships were initiated to enhance academic standards. 

Gender representation was balanced, with 744 male and 850 female students supported. State representation saw 37.2 per cent of beneficiaries from Bayelsa, 18.7 per cent from Delta, and 19.2 per cent from Ondo. Cost efficiency measures led to the identification of 16 absconded or withdrawn students, saving PAP over 41 million naira in tuition and allowances. 

Additionally, financial commitments were fulfilled with 1.16 billion naira allocated for offshore education and 1.75 billion naira for onshore tuition and allowances. The department also attended six convocation ceremonies to celebrate graduates’ achievements. 

The PAP’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution (PBCR) and Strategic Management Department (SMD) facilitated extensive stakeholder engagement initiatives, hosting interactive sessions in Warri with traditional rulers, women leaders, and key figures from eight Niger Delta states. 

These efforts reinforced trust and stability in the region. The department successfully resolved 100 out of 135 documented conflicts using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including 20 cases of data conflicts, 65 related to stipend payments, and 15 addressing other disputes. Leadership mediation in key camps such as Tallest Man Camp, Lagos Man Camp, and Alaye Camp fostered operational stability, while 17 court cases were effectively managed to protect beneficiaries’ rights. 

Additionally, BVN-related discrepancies affecting stipend payments were resolved, benefiting hundreds of ex-agitators. 

Vocational training under Dr. Otuaro’s administration saw remarkable progress in maritime and aviation sectors. Notable achievements include the training of 40 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMES) on ERJ-145 and CRJ-900/B737 aircraft, with 39 deployed for On-the-Job Training (OJT) at organisation such as Seven Star Global Hangar and Aero Contractors Limited. 

Four cadet pilots were deployed to South Africa for type-rating training and returned to Nigeria upon graduation. Maritime training was revitalised, with 98 cadets undergoing refresher courses at Joemarine Institute to prepare for Officer of the Watch (OOW) certification. Facility inspections at key maritime training centers ensured high-quality standards, and strategic partnerships with institutions such as Caverton Helicopters and Izisco Obos Institute were strengthened for future training programs. 

 The Call Centre recorded 23,813 calls in 2024, with 13,883 successfully answered. Of 420 documented issues, 274 related to stipends, 82 to training, and 47 to post-training support. Staff capacity was improved through specialised training in emotional intelligence, conflict management, and problem-solving. 

Operational efficiency was further strengthened by transitioning to user-friendly CRM platforms, positioning the Call Centre as the primary communication hub for PAP beneficiaries. 

Administrative reforms under Dr. Otuaro included infrastructure upgrades, such as office renovations, car park expansions, and improved security accommodations. 

Staff welfare received significant attention, with bonuses provided during Easter and Salah, financial support extended for medical and academic needs, and timely leave approvals granted. Workforce management improvements led to the enrollment of 240 new staff members on the GIFMIS platform, pension account facilitation, and statutory remittances. Additionally, logistics management was optimised with the procurement of 600 laptops, executive chairs, and essential office items. 

Efficient document handling ensured the processing of 2,539 official documents, while transport and utility services were enhanced through vehicle paper renewals and upgraded water and plumbing systems.

Otuaro’s first year as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme has been characterised by substantial improvements in data management, education, vocational training, conflict resolution, communication, and administrative efficiency. 

These accomplishments have not only strengthened PAP’s institutional capacity but have also reinforced its role in fostering sustainable development and peace in the Niger Delta. Looking ahead, the foundation laid in 2024 sets a solid path for continued progress and empowerment for PAP beneficiaries in the years to come.  

As PAP moves forward, Dr. Otuaro’s leadership remains a beacon of hope for beneficiaries and stakeholders. His emphasis on accountability, skill development, and peacebuilding ensures that the programme continues to be a catalyst for growth in the Niger Delta. With continued focus on education, vocational training, and administrative efficiency, PAP is poised to deliver even greater impact in the years ahead.