The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Niger Delta has signed a deal with a United States based firm, Atlanta Global Resources Inc, for the construction of a $15bn rail project that will stretch across all nine Niger Delta states.
The deal was signed on Tuesday at the NDDC Public-Private Partnership summit in Lagos, with the theme, ‘Rewind to Rebirth’. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Umana, said the PPP was an initiative geared towards attracting foreign and private investors to fund the massive developmental challenges in the Niger Delta.
The Minister, who said he inherited a “very messy situation,” added that the PPP was part of an action plan to reposition the NDDC.
According to the minister, a plan was fully on for the Niger Delta region to optimise the benefits from its abundant natural resources, especially oil and gas, which had contributed significantly to the national economy and development.
He regretted that the region faced many challenges, such as environmental degradation, poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and underdevelopment. Umana said, “The Federal Government recognizes the need to address these challenges and to ensure that the people of the Niger Delta enjoy the benefits of their resources and potential. – PUNCH
