The National Council on Niger Delta has called on the United Nations International Development Organisation (UNIDO) to support the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in their programmes to develop the region.
This was made known in a communiqué issued at the end of the 5th meeting of the National Council On Niger Delta (NCND) held at Ibom Icon and Golf Resort, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, recently.
It stated that harnessing the 21st Century Development Initiatives in the Niger Delta region would require a change in development approach and strategies by relevant agencies and sought the expressed commitment of the United Nations International Development Organisation (UNIDO) to support the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in their programmes to develop the region.
In addition, NCND urged the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to push for the modification of the NLNG Train 7 Project.
The council also urged both the ministry and NDDC to engage relevant stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to canvass for the modification of the project design to accommodate the creation of a South-South Gas Node.
The communique further called for local and international investors operating in the Niger Delta region, as well as state governments to submit viable proposals for more road projects geared at “embracing the Executive Order 7 of 2019 on Road Infrastructure Development Scheme in the Niger Delta Region in line with the current Medium-Term Plan 2021-2025 of the Federal Government”.
Moreso, council approved the establishment of Medical Waste Incinerators and Thermal Desorption Units (TDU) by the Nine (9) States to facilitate treatments of hazardous medical and industrial wastes; the establishment of pilot programmes for water hyacinth/evasive water weeds by the MNDA and NDDC in collaboration with Private sector in selected communities impacted by its proliferation
Meanwhile, Council has also expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, for the commitment and determination towards the development of the Niger Delta Region. It also acknowledged the kind disposition of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, and the good people of Akwa Ibom State for their hospitality and support towards the success of the 5th Council Meeting.