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PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria (Reuters) - A coalition of former Nigerian militants and Niger Delta community leaders rejected on Monday government efforts to reintegrate thousands of ex-rebels, saying training centres and funding were inadequate.

The dispute, if not resolved soon, could threaten President Umaru Yar'Adua's popular amnesty programme which has brought months of relative peace to the Niger Delta, oil major Nigeria's main oil-producing region.

The Joint Revolutionary Council, representing several former militant commanders, demanded the government significantly improve education facilities and include oil and gas training programmes.

"More than 98 percent of the suggested training centres were non-existent, ill-equipped, non-accredited and non-recognised," Cynthia Whyte, the group's spokeswoman, said.

Community groups also asked for financial assistance for families of former militants.

"I think the package should include provisions for wives, children and dependents of ex-militants who died in the course of the struggle," said Udengs Eradiri, spokesman for the Ijaw Youth Council.

The coalition said it would continue talks with the government in hopes the demands would be met.

Thousands of militants last year handed over their weapons in return for Yar'Adua's promise for clemency, monthly stipends, education, job opportunities and investment in the impoverished Niger Delta.