The newly-launched programme to provide ex-militants in the Niger Delta region with oil and gas training will bring a boost to the regional and national economy, according to one presidential advisor.

Speaking to the Nation, Timi Aliabe, who advises president Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta affairs, said that the training programme will eventually lead to a doubling of daily oil production in the oil-rich region.

Last year, an intensified campaign of sabotage and hijackings led by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta caused production in the region to drop below one million barrels a day.

Since the ceasefire, which was secured with the promise of oil and gas training, production has increased to more than two million barrels a day, and Mr Aliabe expects daily output to jump to five million barrels a day once training is completed.

His comments came as the training programme got underway in Obubra, Cross River State, earlier today (June 29th).

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