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Akpabio inaugurates inter- ministerial technical committee of SIWP
In its effort at repositioning the Niger Delta Region to meet the needs of the people as directed by President Mohammadu Buhari, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, has presented and launched the Strategic Implementation Work Plan( SIWP), in Abuja.
In his speech at the official presentation, Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who launched the plan and inaugurated the Inter- Ministerial Technical Committee of SIWP said,” it is my honour and privilege to officially present and launch the Strategic Implementation Work Plan for adoption and deployment as a coordinating tool for tracking all planned and budgeted projects and programs of organizations( both Public and Private), operating in the Niger Delta Region”.
Akpabio further noted that, “One of the critical instruments we identified to trigger the anticipated change in the Region is the Strategic Implementation Work Plan (SIWP).. It is not a new initiative in the Niger Delta Region. It emerged as a result of concerted and several high-level political engagements by the Federal Government with key Stakeholders of the of the region in 2016, designed to coordinate all development interventions of both Government Agencies and Private Organizations operating in the Niger Delta Region.”
The former Senate Minority Leader, listed the benefits of SIWP to include, but not limited to, ” bringing to an end to the era of project duplication and multiplication by agencies of government in the region, the SIWP e-portal, a web- based monitoring system allows you to view projects being carried out in the region by both the public and private organizations, noting that, the potential benefits of SIWP is enormous for the Niger Delta Region and this is expected to become more visible and effective when the projects and programmes of the other critical stakeholders in the region are uploaded and all respective efforts are able to be tracked using the e-portal.”
The former governor of Akwa Ibom State, also listed the task before the Committee to include, review and update the Strategic Implementation Work Plan, support in the technical coordination and planning for the implementation of development projects in the region, as encapsulated in the SIWP document and to liase with technical departments in various Ministries and Agencies and implement commitments captured in the Work Plan,” among many others.
Akpabio lauded the youths of the region for their peaceful conduct, saying,” since the Amnesty Programme was introduced by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and continued under the President Buhari-led administration, we have been having peace in the region. The era of pipeline vandalism is gone for good because the youths of the region have embraced peace for development.”
He noted to that the recently signed Petroleum Industrial Act was part of the commitments and demonstration of President Buhari many efforts at ensuring that the oil producing communities benefited from whatever is gotten from their land, adding ,” the PIA is to recognize the need for a by-in of the host communities so that they can also partake and take care of their very urgent needs, instead of going to beg the oil companies for some social amenities.”
He also listed the gains of the recently concluded Forensic Audit into the activities of the interventionist agency; Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), stating that,” after the completion of the forensic audit, we have started seeing projects completion without awarding fresh contracts. We have so far commissioned the NDDC headquarters building, the Police SUP Quarters, while in the next few days, over 1000 bedspace is set to be commissioned by Mr President at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Minister of State, Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Omotayo Alasoadura, acknowledged the cooperation of the UK government through Stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN) and Facility for Oil Sector Transformation (FOSTER), saying, ” you will recall that at the last Roundtable discussion on SIWP with stakeholders in March, 2020, I had suggested the need to strengthen the initiative to accommodate and capture projects from more MDAs on the e-portal and continually build on this to accommodate all efforts targeted at developing the region. My initial concern and suggestion has been addressed in the SIWP e-portal being presented today”.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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