Local and national government officials should focus on strengthening infrastructure and security in the Niger Delta region ahead of next year's general elections, according to a former presidential advisor.

Writing for Next, Dr Stephen Davis, who served as an envoy under Nigeria's former president, said that while last year's ceasefire in the Niger Delta region has allowed the security situation to shift "from negative to neutral", officials must now focus on making positive changes in the region.

His comments followed a state visit by William Fitzgerald, the US assistant secretary for African Affairs, who insisted that stability could only be achieved through extensive training, both of security forces and local workers.

Mr Davis added that international oil companies will also have a part to play in promoting security in the region through community outreach and workforce localisation programmes.

In furtherance of this, Nigeria's president Goodluck Jonathan has this year signed new local content legislation into law, promoting extensive training for young workers and ex-rebels in the Niger Delta region.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development