The Federal Government has resumed cash payments for former militants in the restive Niger Delta, an official said on Monday, in a bid to end a wave a wave of militant attacks on oil and gas facilities.
In February, Nigeria stopped the payments for former militants who agreed under a 2009 amnesty to stop blowing up crude pipelines in exchange for cash , the official said .
The government says it has been holding talks with militants they suspect of being behind a recent wave of attacks on pipelines that has reduced Nigeria’s crude output by 700 , 000 barrels a day .
“ Payments of stipends to the ex -militants resumed this Monday. The payments are done directly from the CBN ( Central Bank of Nigeria) to their bank accounts ,” said the amnesty programme’s media officer Piriye Kiyaramo .
“ The payment also includes tuition for those studying abroad ,” he said . “ Their last payment was in February this year. Now we are clearing all outstanding and the payments .”
Each of the former militant is entitled under the amnesty to N65 ,000 ( $ 203 . 44 ) monthly plus job training , reports Reuters .
But the government had originally planned to cut the amnesty by two- thirds and limit cash payments amid a budget crisis and graft.
The militants and residents who sympathize with them say they want a greater share of Nigeria’ s oil wealth to go to the impoverished region.
Crude sales make up about 70 per cent of government revenue and the attacks have deepened an economic crisis brought on by low global oil prices .
In June, government officials said a one-month ceasefire had been reached .
But Niger Delta Avengers, the group that has claimed responsibility for the majority of attacks dating back to January, said it had not agreed a truce.
Since then the group has said it would not take part in talks unless international mediators were involved.

https://newtelegraphonline.com/fg-pay-niger-delta-militants-directly-cbn/

What will they buy with the money if not more arms

Imagine!! Its only in Nigeria, illegality earns you salary.

Pay them for what service actually? Tell me why such vile will end when the fastest way to be heard and be paid salary is through militancy and terrorism. If they are actually fighting for development of Niger Delta why put money in their pockets instead of using the money to create more jobs for the youths and develop the area.

It is a very good development. I live in the Niger Delta and I know that 80% of the ex militants don't get access to the monthly payment, it is paid directly to the commandants by the banks while their subordinate wallow in poverty and the unrest continues, so paying directly from the CBN means one thing 'THE END OF MILITANCY IS NEAR'

only in naija