The Federal Government has unveiled new initiatives to foster development in Nigeria’s Delta region.

The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, shared updates during the 2025 ministerial press briefing on Friday, highlighting the creation of two new regional commissions and the advancement of several infrastructure projects that will transform the Niger Delta.

The Ministry of Regional Development, established in October 2024, oversees the newly inaugurated North-West and South-East regional commissions.

These commissions, Momoh explained, are designed to drive development and address regional disparities across the country.

“We have created the North-West and South-East regional commissions, and their boards were inaugurated last week by the President. These commissions are set to accelerate development across their respective regions,” he stated.

While the Ministry of Niger Delta still exists under the new structure, the minister clarified that its responsibilities have now been incorporated into the Ministry of Regional Development.

He emphasised that his ministry remains focused on the Niger Delta, ensuring that the region receives the attention and resources it deserves for its development.

“The Ministry of Niger Delta is still there. It is under the regional development,” he said, reinforcing the commitment to the region’s growth.

The ministry has completed several key road projects and is on a stride toward infrastructure improvement. One such project is the Gberegolor-Ogriagbene Road, Delta State, which Momoh highlighted as an example of the government’s ongoing commitment to improving transportation networks.

“For instance, we commissioned the Gberegolor-Ogriagbene Road, which is in Delta State. This is one of the key roads we have completed, and it will significantly ease transportation in the region,” he noted.

Beyond transportation, the ministry has been committed to addressing essential services, especially water supply and electricity.

The minister mentioned the successful installation of 257 solar street lights across the region in 2023, alongside ongoing projects to enhance electricity infrastructure.

“We have installed over 250 solar street lights in the region, and we are working on additional power projects that will help boost economic activities in the region,” he said.

The ministry has also undertaken water supply initiatives, such as community water schemes in Imo and Delta states communities.

In a bid to improve economic activity in the region, the ministry is working on projects to improve transportation. Notably, the ministry is constructing ferry services to connect communities separated by waterways.

“We have embarked on the design and construction of water transportation projects, including the recently awarded contract for ferry services that will help communities that are otherwise inaccessible by road,” Momoh explained.

The ministry has also placed a strong emphasis on empowering youths in the region.

The minister revealed that over 1,000 youths have already received training this year, building their skills and preparing them for sustainable livelihoods.

“Last year, 300 youths were trained with a grant of 250,000 each. This year, over 1,000 youths have been trained across the nine states of the Niger Delta region,” he shared.

Additionally, the government has been providing financial support, including grants to help these trained individuals establish their businesses.

“We are also planning to distribute grants to the youths so they can set up businesses and sustain their livelihoods,” he added.

Momoh underscored the importance of peace and stability for economic growth, recognising that the Niger Delta’s prosperity is closely linked to the nation’s overall economic health.

In conclusion, the Minister expressed optimism that the establishment of the new regional commissions would lead to substantial growth and development across Nigeria.

“I think by the time the development commissions start, there will be massive development across the regions of Nigeria,” he concluded.