Overview
- The Interior Ministry named Henk Nijboer as government commissioner for Groningen and Noord-Drenthe with an immediate start to steer damage claims and the home-strengthening drive after years of gas-induced quakes.
- Minister Pieter Heerma said Nijboer brings calm and continuity and that he remains politically responsible for the recovery program.
- Nijboer described the job as advisory rather than executive and said he will give solicited and unsolicited advice to unblock stalled cases.
- He will work from both Groningen and The Hague and has set up early visits to Eemsdelta and Midden-Groningen to meet residents and civic groups.
- The role replaces the previous state secretary setup, and Nijboer’s selection draws on his 11 years in Parliament and local experience as stakeholders welcome his arrival yet press for a strong, independent mandate.