The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) reaffirms its commitment to delivering impactful projects and providing efficient services in the Niger Delta.
During a two-day Board and Management Retreat in Ikeja, Lagos State, attendees discussed the theme: “Repositioning NDDC for Efficient Service Delivery.”
This retreat gathered key stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly and former NDDC chairmen and managing directors.
At the event, NDDC Chairman Lauretta Onochie stressed the importance of unity and collaboration to achieve the Commission’s goals.
Moreover, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC Managing Director, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate, supporting President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He highlighted that the eight presidential priorities—spanning food security, poverty eradication, job creation, and anti-corruption—guide the Commission’s operations effectively.
NDDC Significant Milestones Achieved
Dr. Ogbuku emphasized several key achievements since the current Board and Management took office in 2024. Notably, they commissioned five major projects between May 18 and May 28, 2024.
First, they completed the Ogbia-Nembe Road, a 27.5-kilometre road built in collaboration with Shell Petroleum Development Company.
Additionally, they constructed the Iko-Atabrikang-Akata-Opulom-Ikot Inwang-Okoroutip-Iwochang Road and Ibeno Bridge, which consists of a 6km road and a 600m bridge in Akwa Ibom State.
Moreover, they developed the Obehie-Oke-Ikpe Road, a 9km roadway located in Abia State’s Ukwa West Local Government Area.
Lastly, the electrification projects included a 45km double-circuit 33KV feeder line from Omotosho Power Station to Okitipupa in Ondo State.
This project successfully restored power to 25 local governments after 15 years of darkness.
Additionally, a 1×15MVA electricity injection substation was commissioned in Benin City, Edo State.
Dr. Ogbuku also highlighted progress on other infrastructure projects such as the Auchi-Eruwe road, now completed, and the Port Harcourt-Owerri road, which has reached the asphalting stage.
NDDC Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans
The NDDC is actively engaging stakeholders and International Oil Companies (IOCs) to foster partnerships for large-scale projects.
Notable collaborations include working with Nigeria LNG (NLNG) on the construction of the Bonny Ring Road and advancing projects such as the Kaa-Ataba and Borokiri-Okrika roads.
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Looking ahead to 2025, which marks the NDDC’s 25th anniversary, Dr. Ogbuku announced a series of activities to celebrate this milestone.
These include the commissioning of completed projects and the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival, aimed at fostering regional integration and nurturing amateur sporting talent.
The festival will be hosted by Akwa Ibom State.
Commitment to Transparency and Youth Empowerment
To enhance transparency and accountability, the NDDC has engaged global audit firm KPMG to review its operations.
Dr. Ogbuku assured that the recommendations from this review would be fully implemented to improve efficiency.
He also emphasized that data-driven decision-making would guide all NDDC programmes to ensure equitable distribution of resources.
On youth empowerment, Dr. Ogbuku confirmed that payments to registered beneficiaries under the Commission’s initiatives had commenced.
He also highlighted the success of the NDDC Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Programme, which has benefitted 2,700 students to date.
He noted the outstanding academic performance of some scholars at Coventry University in the United Kingdom.
Unity and Collaboration as Core Principles
During the retreat, NDDC Chairman Lauretta Onochie emphasized the importance of teamwork.
She stated, “Our success depends not on individual expertise alone but on our collective efforts as a cohesive team.”
By working together, we can enhance NDDC’s efficiency, accountability, and overall impact.”
The retreat also served as an opportunity to align with directives from the Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, and President Tinubu’s vision for a brighter Niger Delta region.
The NDDC actively pursues its mission to transform the Niger Delta.
By implementing impactful projects and strategic initiatives, it ensures sustainable development for the region’s communities.
