The FEC also approved the construction of a dockyard.
The Federal Government on Wednesday approved N807 million for the training of 2700 Niger Delta youth who are non-militants.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Rueben Abati, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the weekly meeting of the Executive Council of the Federation, FEC, chaired by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Mr. Abati said the youth are to be trained in information Technology and in Agriculture in continuation of existing Programme with the Ministry of Agriculture, at the cost of N258.7 million and N549 million respectively.
The Minister of State for Niger Delta, Dairus Ishaku, who further explained the contract, assured that the government has decided to attach the youth to employers after the training. SEE MORE AFTER CUT >>>
“Kidnapping rate has reduced in the Niger Delta, especially along the East West road,” he said.
Mr. Ishaku disclosed that government has been engaging with youth and traditional rulers from the area and attributed the crime reduction to government’s engagement.
“The training will be staggered across states in the Niger Delta area, including Cross Rivers and other states,” he said.
The federal government already spends billions of naira annually to train former Niger Delta militants who accepted the government’s amnesty programme.
The Federal Government also approved a contract for the dredging of Escravos/ Warri/ Aladja Chanel at N274.9 million to be completed in 10 months.
It also approved a ship building facility and dockyard at the cost of N42 billion. The project includes civil and infrastructure works at the dockyards.
While speaking on the dockyard contract, the Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, said Netherlands ship builders, considered the second largest ship builder in the world, has been engaged by the federal government to partner with the Nigeria maritime agency, NIMASA, for the project.
Mr. Umar also said that the Onitsha port is soon to be concessioned by the government. He added that the port, which is 2.5 meters deep, was not built to carry ocean going vessels.
The minister said Nigeria was losing resources patronizing foreign ship builders adding that “All the vessels are acquired from outside the country. Nigeria is losing much money spending over N600m to train Nigerians outside the country. It is going to enhance serious maritime business.”
“The idea is for NIMASA to create opportunities for the stakeholders, including ship owners currently operating in Nigeria,” he added.
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