Nigeria's new president Goodluck Jonathan has vowed to expedite an initiative to provide jobs and training in the oil and gas sector for militants who have ended hostilities in the Niger Delta region.

The Economist reports that the initiative, which began after a ceasefire in October 2009, progressed slowly under the country's former president Umaru Yar'Adua, who died earlier this month after a protracted illness.

Mr Jonathan, who has led the country as acting president during his predecessor's illness, was officially sworn in on May 6th, and speeding up the oil training programme has been ranked high on his agenda.

He has also vowed to push on with electoral reform to provide greater transparency in Nigerian politics.

Nigeria is Africa's second largest oil producer, but production has been hampered by rebel activity in the Niger Delta region led by locals demanding a fairer share of oil revenues.

The country has recently pushed through a local content bill designed to improve access to the oil and gas industry through training and development programmes.

Getenergy for Western Africa