One Year of Leadership: Advancing peace, security, and development in the Niger Delta

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme(PAP), Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro (PhD), marked his one-year anniversary in office by reaffirming his commitment to peace, security, and economic empowerment in the Niger Delta.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Niger Delta Peace & Stability Forum, led by Mr. Godfrey Tari Pondi, Group General Manager of Tantita Security Services and a security expert, accompanied by Chief Benjamin Ekeremo, Chief Otegha Ayebi, Mr. Benaebi Adowei, Mr. Seiyefa Ekpemupolo, Mr. Peter Uduboh, Mr Abisco Darling, Mr Super Layefa Kamboh.

Dr. Otuaro highlighted the progress made in security, stability, and human capacity development, emphasizing that the PAP has moved beyond stipends to focus on long- term rehabilitation and reintegration goals. He clarified that stipends are merely a transitional phase, and the programme is now dedicated to sustainable empowerment and stakeholder engagement to ensure lasting peace and economic opportunities for all affected communities in the Niger Delta.

Speaking on behalf of the Niger Delta Peace & Stability Forum, Mr. Tari Pondi expressed his appreciation for the Administrator’s leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to peace and security in the region.“We have remained dedicated to securing the Niger Delta, even without direct engagement with the PAP office. Our priority has always been peace, stability, and the protection of our people,” he stated. He also commended the PAP Administrator, Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro on the recent deployment of over 2500 students to various universities home and abroad.

He further stressed the urgent need for renewed disarmament efforts, revealing that there are more weapons in circulation today than were collected during the original amnesty process. “The struggle has evolved, and while we have achieved peace, there is still work to be done,” he added.

The Administrator-PAP commended Tantita Security Services, which currently employs over 30,000 individuals, for its role in securing vital oil infrastructure and preventing illegal activities in the region. He appreciated all present for their dedication to peacebuilding and regional security. Dr. Otuaro further outlined plans to expand vocational training, enhance economic opportunities for women, and support small businesses, stressing that long-term development, rather than short-term stipends, will create lasting change in the region.

Looking ahead, Dr. Otuaro called for continued collaboration among security agencies, community leaders, and development partners to ensure the sustainable success of the PAP.

He emphasized that no individual or groups can hold the Niger Delta and the Presidential Amnesty Programme to ransom and urged stakeholders to remain actively engaged in peacebuilding and development efforts. Reaffirming his administration’s
commitment, he declared, "This journey is far from over. Together, we will build a peaceful, stable, and economically empowered Niger Delta."