EU, World Bank To Spend $200m On N’Delta

The European Union (EU) says it is partnering with the World Bank to spend 200 million dollars on poverty alleviation in the six Niger Delta States.

The European Union Ambassador and Head of EU delegation to Nigeria, Dr. David Mackae said this during a courtesy call on the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Sir. Awoye Bob-Manuel in his office in Port Harcourt.

The EU Ambassador also restated the Commission’s preparedness to ensure the effective implementation of the micro project programme (MPP9) in the state.

The Commissioner said that the programme is part of measures part in place by the European Union to create employment opportunities for youths in the Niger Delta, provide access roads in the communities as well as provide water and sanitation in the six states of the region.

Dr. Mackae also said that through the partnership, a sound financial management training will also be organided for officials of the Niger Delta States.

In his response, the Permanent Secretary, Sir. Bob-Manuel said that the Ministry is happy to be partners in the initiative.

Sir. Bob-Manuel also said that the Ministry is already training its officials on the tenets of sound financial management.

The Permanent Secretary also called for the intervention of the European Union in the development of local and indigenous long wages.