The Nigerian military ruler, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has announced a big development programme for the Niger Delta, the country's oil-producing area.

The plans include the construction of many new roads.

The general made the announcement in the city of Port Harcourt, a day after local kidnappers released eight oil-workers.

General Abubakar appealed for patience from the local community, which has been demanding a greater share of the oil-wealth produced in the delta -- saying that the region's problems could not be solved overnight.

It was General Abubakar's first visit to the delta since he took office.