The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has called for the removal of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to enable the commission to deliver more impactful projects to oil-producing communities.

IYC President, Theophilus Alaye, made this demand during a press conference held in Port Harcourt on Thursday to commemorate the 57th Adaka Boro day celebration, themed "Ijaw Nation Strength: A Pathway for Unity and Solidarity."

"Removing the NDDC from the Treasury Single Account will enable the commission to initiate and deliver more impactful signature projects that will directly benefit our oil-producing communities," Alaye stated.

The youth leader also advocated for increased annual budget allocation to the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), noting that current funding levels are inadequate to meet the growing demands of reintegration, educational training, and empowerment of beneficiaries across the Niger Delta region.

Alaye further appealed to President Bola Tinubu to create a new window to absorb more agitators in the Niger Delta region, particularly those of Ijaw nationality, into the PAP. According to him, this would help "eradicate the few pockets of armed agitators left in the region from our creeks."

In a significant political demand, the IYC called on President Tinubu to immediately restore democracy in Rivers State. This follows the President's declaration of a state of emergency in March amid a protracted political crisis between the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara.

Following the six-month declaration of a state of emergency, President Tinubu appointed Ibokette Ibas, a retired vice admiral, as Administrator to take charge of the state's affairs.

"The people of Rivers deserve lawful governance that will give them the needed dividend of democracy and continuity of people-oriented development," Alaye emphasized during the press conference.

The IYC's demands highlight ongoing concerns about governance, development, and security in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, which continues to face significant socio-economic challenges despite its contribution to Nigeria's national revenue.