House of Reps Backs Ndokwa/Ukwuani’s Inclusion in Amnesty Programme

ABUJA/Nigeria: The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to include Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the Presidential Amnesty Programme, following a motion moved on Wednesday by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi.

The motion, which received overwhelming support, underscored the longstanding exclusion of the constituency despite its vital contributions to Nigeria’s oil production.

Hon. Ezechi, in his presentation, noted that the Amnesty Programme was originally designed to reintegrate ex-militants from the Niger Delta and address grievances in oil-producing communities. However, Ndokwa/Ukwuani, comprising Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani Local Government Areas, has remained sidelined despite hosting major oil firms such as Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO), Midwestern Oil & Gas Ltd, Oando PLC, and Energia Oil & Gas Ltd.

He expressed concern that the continued exclusion has heightened frustration among residents, exacerbating economic and security challenges. According to him, the absence of federal intervention has fueled youth restiveness and deepened economic hardships in the area. He stressed that integrating Ndokwa/Ukwuani into the Amnesty Program would not only foster peace but also promote equity and sustainable development in the region.

In response, the House of Representatives resolved to:

• Urge the Ministry of Regional Development Affairs to implement developmental projects and vocational training programs in Ndokwa/Ukwuani to create employment opportunities and reduce social unrest.
• Call on the Federal Government to immediately incorporate the constituency into the Presidential Amnesty Programme to address grievances and ensure fairness.
• Mandate the Presidential Amnesty Office to assess the situation in Ndokwa/Ukwuani and initiate steps toward its inclusion.
• Direct the Committees on Regional Development and Host Communities to engage community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders for a seamless integration process.

The resolution marks a significant step toward addressing Ndokwa/Ukwuani’s marginalization and ensuring that its people benefit from federal programmes aimed at fostering peace and development across the Niger Delta.