Niger Delta rebels frustrated with reform

ABUJA, Nigeria, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Government reconciliation and rehabilitation programs to reform former Nigerian oil rebels are not ready, former fighters complain.

President Umaru Yar'Adua in June offered to give rebels amnesty if they surrendered their weapons. The deadline was Oct. 4.

Rebel leaders complain rehabilitation centers established to receive disarmed fighters are not yet ready, the BBC reports.

Militants in the Niger Delta declared a war on the national energy sector earlier this year in an effort to gain access to oil revenue.

Rilwanu Lukman, the Nigerian oil minister, said oil production has reached its 1.7 million barrels per day quota due in part to an amnesty with militants.

Disarmed rebels were expected at rehabilitation centers Wednesday under the terms of the amnesty deal.

Defense officials told the BBC there were logistical issues that needed to be resolved before the centers open.

Lukman claims his country is set to become the African leader in oil as the amnesty program with Niger Delta militants contributes to a rise in crude oil production.