The Nigerian government has said that the success of the amnesty granted to militant group members in the restive Niger Delta would make it possible for the production of three million barrels of crude oil per day from next year.
The country’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, gave the indication in Jos, north-central Nigeria when he addressed Attorneys-General of the states.
“Our crude oil per day is now 2.4 million barrels from 1.2 million barrels before the amnesty. If we continue at 2.4, the likelihood is that by 2010, we will have three million barrels per day.
“At the peak of the crisis, our economic growth was put at six per cent. But after the amnesty few months ago, our economic growth is put at 7.5 per cent.
Aondoakaa regretted that the nation’s revenue dropped such that the country had to fall back on its reserve but expressed joy that the revenue had improved.
He explained that, the legal instrument used by the government was the Amnesty Proclamation, Government Notice No. 196 made pursuant to Section 175 of the Constitution relating to prerogative of mercy.
According to him, the instrument granted amnesty and unconditional pardon to militants, while on-going trials involving some militant leaders were discontinued.
However, one of the greatest concerns of the government was to ensure the county did not relapse into the state of insecurity and criminality that pervaded the Niger-Delta then.
According to him, the government has worked out a “Marshal Plan” which include massive construction and massive spending so that jobs will be created.
“We are using the same model to open up the infrastructures, and in the course of opening up the infrastructures, create more jobs.”
Source African Press Agency
