The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA) is a Nigerian government agency tasked with overseeing the development, peace, and security of the Niger Delta region.
Established in 2008, the MNDA addresses the region’s challenges, including infrastructural deficiencies, environmental degradation, and socio-economic disparities.
Its primary responsibilities involve coordinating development efforts, promoting sustainable growth, and promoting a peaceful environment in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
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List Of Ministers Of Nigeria Delta Affairs In Nigeria From 2008 Till Date
Name | Term Start | Term End | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
Ufot Ekaette | 2008 | 2010 | PDP |
Godsday Orubebe | 2010 | 2014 | PDP |
Steve Orise Oru | 2014 | 2015 | PDP |
Usani Uguru Usani | 2015 | 2019 | APC |
Godswill Akpabio | 2019 | 2022 | APC |
Umana Okon Umana | 2022 | 2023 | APC |
HON. Abubakar Momoh | 2023 | Present | APC |
Who Was The First Minister Of Nigeria Delta Affairs In Nigeria?
Ufot Ekaette was a notable figure in Nigeria’s political history, known especially as the first Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. He was appointed to this position on December 17, 2008, by then-President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
This was a major moment in the history of Nigeria, as the Niger Delta region had long been a center of attention due to its oil resources and the conflicts surrounding them.
As the first person to head this new ministry, Ekaette was tasked with leading efforts to address the complex issues in the region. Ekaette was born in 1939 in Onna Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
His educational journey started at King’s College in Lagos, and he later obtained a degree in economics from the University College, Ibadan. Throughout his career, he worked in various ministries and served as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation from 1999 to 2007 during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
As the first Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Ekaette was responsible for overseeing development projects aimed at improving the lives of the people in the Niger Delta region.
The area had been plagued by issues related to underdevelopment, environmental pollution, and militant activities due to the exploitation of its rich oil resources.
Ekaette’s role was to help bring about development in the region, working with local leaders, companies, and government bodies to address the pressing concerns.
However, his tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs was not without controversy. Some groups, like the Joint Revolutionary Council, criticized his appointment, claiming he lacked the necessary leadership skills to handle such a sensitive ministry.
They questioned whether he had the right vision and commitment to solve the region’s long-standing problems. There were also allegations of project duplication, which led to more calls for his removal from office.
In March 2010, Ekaette’s time as minister ended when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved the cabinet. He passed away on September 25, 2019, at the age of 80.
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Who Is The New Minister Of Nigeria Delta Affairs In Nigeria?
Abubakar Momoh is the new Minister of Niger Delta Affairs in Nigeria. He was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023 to oversee the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
His job is to ensure development and progress in the Niger Delta region, which is rich in oil and gas but has faced many challenges such as poverty, pollution, and underdevelopment.
However, Abubakar Momoh started his political career as a councilor and later became a local government chairman. From 1999 to 2003, he served in the Edo State House of Assembly.
After that, he was elected to represent the Etsako Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, serving from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2011 to 2015. During his time as a legislator, he gained experience in managing local and national issues.
Abubakar Momoh also has a strong academic background. He studied chemical engineering at the University of Benin and furthered his education by obtaining a master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Lagos.
In addition, he holds another master’s degree in public administration from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma. He is also a member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
As the new Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Abubakar Momoh is expected to be Instrumental in improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education in the Niger Delta.