March 13, (THEWILL) – The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has reaffirmed his commitment to fostering sustainable peace and security in the Niger Delta, emphasising that economic empowerment and human capital development are crucial for lasting stability in the region.
Otuaro stated this on Wednesday when a delegation from the Niger Delta Peace and Stability Forum, led by security expert and Group General Manager of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Godfrey Pondi, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
The delegation included Chief Benjamin Ekeremo, Chief Otegha Ayebi, Mr. Benaebi Adowei, Mr. Seiyefa Ekpemupolo, Mr. Peter Uduboh, Mr. Abisco Darling, and Mr. Super Layefa Kamboh.
Speaking during the visit, Otuaro emphasized that the PAP had moved beyond the transitional phase of paying monthly stipends to ex-agitators and was now focused on the reintegration and rehabilitation phase of the programme’s mandate.
“We have achieved a lot, especially in national security, stability, and human development, because those are the key areas of this programme. Many still think the amnesty programme is just about stipends, but that is only a transit allowance. The real work is reintegration and rehabilitation, not just for former agitators but for the entire Niger Delta. We have all been affected, and now is the time to rebuild,” he said.
Otuaro outlined plans to expand vocational training, empower women economically, and support small-scale businesses, stressing that sustainable development—not short-term stipends—would bring lasting change to the region.
The PAP boss commended Tantita Security Services for its critical role in securing national economic assets and employing over 30,000 individuals from the Niger Delta to combat illegal oil bunkering.
He noted that Tantita’s expertise in securing oil pipelines had significantly boosted the nation’s oil and gas revenues.
“The work Tantita is doing is vital. They have provided direct employment to over 30,000 Niger Deltans, not ghost workers but real individuals protecting critical government infrastructure. Their efforts have played a major role in the fight against oil theft, and we must continue to engage our people meaningfully,” he stated.
Otuaro also praised the Niger Delta Peace and Stability Forum for its selfless efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the region, stressing that no individual or group could hold the Niger Delta or the PAP to ransom.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Pondi commended Otuaro’s leadership, particularly his deployment of over 2,500 PAP scholarship students for the 2024/2025 academic session, describing it as a strong commitment to regional peace, security, and human capital development.
However, he raised concerns about the proliferation of arms in the Niger Delta, calling for renewed disarmament efforts.
“There are more weapons in circulation today than were collected during the Federal Government’s amnesty proclamation. While we have made significant progress, the job is far from done. We must remain committed to ensuring lasting peace and stability,” Pondi stated.
Otuaro assured that the PAP would continue to collaborate with security agencies, community leaders, and development partners to sustain peace and economic growth in the Niger Delta.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
