A Niger Delta activist and President of the Ijaw Monitoring Group, Joseph Evah, speaks to Godfrey George about the perennial issues in the region, the new board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and other national concerns. After a long wait, President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) inaugurated the new NDDC board. Evah asks what expectations people have of this board, noting that its members are human beings who should already understand the suffering of the Niger Delta. Past manipulations by the board have caused great hardship; he recalls urging President Buhari to scrutinise the board’s activities because, for more than seven years, it functioned like a “gambling centre” with an administrator and a coordinator but no substantive head. He even suggested naming the then Managing Director a “general overseer,” as in a church, because there was no real management. Projects were started and funded, yet nothing materialised, while the North‑East Development Commission thrived and the Niger Delta counted its losses. If the new board performs its duties, it could restore hope to the region.
Evah agrees that the NDDC has not lived up to expectations. He observes that in Nigeria, godfathers appoint people who are then unable to operate freely, and those who fail to follow NDDC directives are rarely dismissed. This mirrors the 40‑year‑old stalemate of the Ajaokuta Steel project in Kogi State. He argues that if the President shows the political will to discipline everyone, the problems would disappear. Turning to Rivers State, Evah says that, regardless of Governor Chief Nyesom Wike’s party affiliation, his tangible actions should be judged on their merits. Unlike the NDDC, Wike’s administration has visible achievements, even if some are disputed. The NDDC has done some work—scholarships and training abroad—but with billions received, it has fallen far short of public expectations.
Poverty in the Niger Delta, Evah explains, stems from hunger. He proposes that the NDDC invest in commercial fishing, noting that over 80 % of Nigeria’s fish comes from the Delta. Partnering with international bodies could boost internal revenue and feed the population, rather than waiting for the 13 % derivation fund to be used only for projects. He criticises Niger Delta governors for behaving like beggars who travel to Abuja for funds, urging them to emulate South‑West governors who have turned ideas into action. Reviving rubber plantations in Sapele, Delta State, and palm‑oil plantations in Akwa Ibom could lift many out of poverty, provided there is political will.
Regarding the new board led by Lauretta Onochie, Evah pleads for them to work with patriotism, to write their names in gold, and to act in the nation’s best interest. He warns that many board members are now fleeing abroad, questioning whose fault that is. A recent World Bank report placed Bayelsa State—one of the smallest by land but rich in water mass—among the poorest in Nigeria. Evah recounts his legal battle, through lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), to stop dredging of the River Niger under Gen. Sani Abacha, and his petition to the Oputa Panel for ten local governments instead of eight. He argues that water mass should be an asset, not a reason for neglect, citing the transformation of Lagos Island and Maroko as examples.
In September, the Federal Government awarded a N40 billion pipeline‑surveillance contract to former militant leader Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo). Evah defends the decision, saying that outsiders would only seek commissions while neglecting environmental protection. He stresses that illegal oil pipelines have devastated the region, and that Tompolo’s involvement could safeguard the environment and combat oil thieves. He condemns the recent burning of illegal crude‑oil badges on waterways, calling for those responsible to be tried at the International Criminal Court.
Fuel scarcity, Evah notes, is illogical for an oil‑rich country. He questions the Minister of Petroleum, Muhammadu Buhari, about pump prices and criticises the inability to operate the Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries. He also rebukes Education Minister Mallam Adamu Adamu for suggesting that COVID‑19 might prevent Nigerians from sitting the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, praising South‑West education commissioners for ensuring the exams proceeded.
On the 13 % derivation fund, Evah argues that the issue is not the percentage but the misuse of resources. Niger Delta governors should follow the South‑West model, shifting from consumption to investment and production, establishing industries, and harnessing the region’s resources. He warns that political leaders lack vision and are too myopic to cooperate, whereas the South‑West’s rail‑link projects are turning that region into a mega‑economy.
Addressing political killings in the South‑South and South‑East, Evah calls for cross‑party dialogue and urges Niger Delta people not to resort to violence during elections. He condemns the ongoing carnage and says security chiefs—including the Inspector‑General of Police Usman Baba, the Director‑General of the Department of State Services, and the National Security Adviser—must visit troubled states to restore peace. He commends the Independent National Electoral Commission for handling permanent voter‑card collection and hopes foreign observers will provide recommendations.
Finally, Evah critiques the Central Bank of Nigeria’s naira redesign policy, describing it as chaotic and suspect. He questions why Governor Godwin Emefiele, who allegedly sought the presidency, was not dismissed, and why the President approved the redesign on short notice. The policy’s rollout has led to cash shortages, with commercial banks unable to stock ATMs with the new notes. Evah concludes that Nigeria needs daily prayer, as those managing its affairs seem detached from the nation’s realities.
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