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Rather than clouding and generalizing development projects in oil states, the federal government is set to come up with a new approach for sustainable peace in the troubled Niger Delta region.

Just as the move is to deepen production harmony and rising oil output, the approach will be tailored to address the specific needs of each state and producing communities in the region.

It will also tend to complement ongoing efforts at the national level by ensuring that state governors, elders, youths and stakeholders play a more active role in keeping the peace.

Business Hilights recalls that former Acting president and now Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo had made mention of the emerging tailored development idea in the Niger Delta.

According to him, the state-focused plan, also known as the ring fenced state approach, was one of the issues dealt with by Ibe Kachikwu in his latest monthly podcast to stakeholders, titled: ‘Oil sector militancy challenges – Road to closure: 20 point plan’.

Key features of the plan involve the Petroleum ministry working with governors of the oil producing states to realise fit-for-measure solutions to identified unique challenges facing oil producing communities in the states.

In his words, Kachikwu said, “One of the things we will need to do frankly is that each state must develop a fit for measure solution. I will be working with state governors to identify the peculiarities of every state and what we need to do to bring a solution to that state.

“The main objective is to substantially increase the benefits and rewards flowing to oil producing states, which bear the brunt of the devastating environmental damage that diversely affects both the economic survival and social activities in the affected communities.”

“The result of this is that indigenes of the state can protect themselves from incursions from individuals who are largely criminal elements coming in from other states to cause confusion,” he stressed.