The Nigerian Senate in a bid to prevent renewed tension and militancy in the Niger Delta region has ordered the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, to release the remaining N15 billion ($47.3million) needed to fund the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The directive was part of resolutions reached at a session on Thursday.

According to the Chairman Senate committee on Niger Delta, Peter Nwaoboshi, funds earmarked for the programme have been decreasing. This is affecting the programme as tension is already building up in the Niger Delta region.

“The programme was in dire need of funds and it was absolutely necessary to release the balance sum of N15 billion in the 2016 Appropriation Act, so as to provide funds for its smooth running,” he said.

Contributing to the debate, Senate President, Bukola Saraki (photo), explained that the Senate had done its part, by allocating N35 billion ($110.5million) as additional budget. The fund was approved by the legislative chamber to address the financial challenges faced by the Amnesty office and maintain peace in the region.

The Nigerian Government in 2009 conceived the Amnesty Programme to reduce agitation and militancy in the Niger Delta region which brought about loss of lives, properties and oil revenue. This program had provided job training and education to the former militants.

Anita Fatunji