By Adams Etowale
The nine states of the Niger Delta region have been advised to prioritize investment in agriculture in order to avert threats to food security and economy.
This advice was contained in a communiqué released after the 5th meeting of the National Council on Niger Delta (NCND) held at Ibom Icon and Golf Resort, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
This measure, the NCND recommended, would encourage dry season farming through irrigation and modern farming methods.
According to the communiqué, “The Nine (9) States in the Region to prioritize investments and support for agriculture to encourage dry season farming through irrigation, modern farming methods, and access of arable lands to avert threats to food security.”
The NCND further advised the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA) to take strict and targeted measures that will strengthen rural-urban security in the region.
The communiqué further appealed to “the MNDA and other relevant stakeholders to collaborate and develop a security framework for participatory incident reporting to strengthen rural-urban security in the Niger Delta Region.”
The NCND also recommended that “the MNDA and the Nine (9) States in the Region to evolve a policy framework for holistic stakeholder’s approach towards the conservation and protection of the Niger Delta rainforest, mangrove swamp and endangered flora and fauna species. The Nine (9) States in the Region to cooperate and commit to the implementation of the Uniform Addressing System Programme of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.”
