Nigeria's landmark programme to provide ex-rebels in the Niger Delta region with oil and gas training appears to be progressing well, according to the US State Department.

However, speaking to the Canadian Press, William Fitzgerald, a deputy assistant secretary of state, clarified that there is still much work to be done to ensure that former rebels receive fair wages for their work in the oil and gas industry.

Mr Fitzgerald also confirmed that US authorities would provide Nigerian troops with security training in order to promote stability in the country as it seeks to maximise gains from its struggling oil and gas industry.

Rebel activity targeting foreign-owned oil infrastructure has brought average production down sharply in recent years, prompting Nigerian authorities to pursue a ceasefire agreement with activists.

In return, the government has introduced a programme of legislation that will part-nationalise oil and gas assets and provide more jobs for out-of-work Nigerians, particularly those in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

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