Ex-IYC President Urges Tinubu: Relocate Oil Agencies to Niger Delta for Economic Boost

Udengs Eradiri, the former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, has urged President Bola Tinubu to consider relocating critical oil-related agencies to the Niger Delta region. This appeal follows President Tinubu’s approval of relocating key commercial agencies from Abuja to Lagos, a decision that received praise from Eradiri.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Eradiri expressed appreciation for the effort to decongest Abuja, which he described as the political capital of the country. He noted that some of the agencies moved to Lagos, particularly those belonging to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), were more suited for the commercial hub.

According to Eradiri, Lagos, being the commercial headquarters of Nigeria, is the ideal location for key commercial agencies and federal trade-related establishments. He emphasized the importance of facilitating smooth business operations and promoting the ease of doing business in the country by having these agencies based in Lagos.

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While commending the government’s decision, Eradiri appealed to President Tinubu to extend the relocation initiative to key oil-related establishments and agencies owned by the federal government, advocating for their move to the Niger Delta region. He specifically mentioned urging the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to relocate the headquarters of some of its subsidiaries to capital cities in the Niger Delta, including Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and Asaba.

Eradiri highlighted the potential economic benefits of such a move, emphasizing that it would stimulate job opportunities, reduce insecurity, and align with President Tinubu’s wealth redistribution agenda. He recalled the promise made by the federal government during Yemi Osibanjo’s acting presidency to compel oil multinationals to relocate their offices to the Niger Delta, urging President Tinubu to fulfill this commitment.

As the government focuses on decongesting the capital territory, Eradiri sees an opportunity for President Tinubu to demonstrate a commitment to decentralization and even development. The appeal underscores the significance of empowering the Niger Delta region through the relocation of key agencies, aligning with the government’s broader agenda for economic growth and regional balance.