President Muhammadu Buhari has made good his pledge to constitute a Board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in line with extant laws.
This was revealed by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, during an interactive session with staff of the NDDC at its headquarters in Port Harcourt, recently.
According to the minister, President Buhari has transmitted names of the next NDDC Board to the Senate for approval. He however warned that the era when billions were invested in projects without any impact is gone.
“The supervising Ministry is to ensure that rules are followed.” He said.
The minister further disclosed that the NDDC 2021/2022 budget has been approved, adding that funds recovered from corrupt officials will be utilized for infrastructure development.
On sending relief materials to ameliorate the suffering of flood victims, Mr. Umana revealed that the Federal Executive Council has directed that Federal Government agencies should collaborate to provide relief materials for the victims of the floodwater disaster as a matter of urgency.
In a related developmental, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, accompanied by the acting MD/CEO of NDDC, Engr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua, has embarked on a working tour of the devastated portion of the East-west road at Ihuike Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State.
While there, Umana expressed shock at the level of devastation, pledging that Federal Government through the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC will commence remedial action on the road.
On his part, the Acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Engineer Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua stated that, ”the NDDC shall within the coming days, engage and mobilize Setraco Construction Company to the failed and unmotorable section of the East-West Road linking Rivers State and neighbouring States.”
He further stated that while the contractor and it’s Engineers are on site working to repair the road, ” the NDDC as an interventionist agency will compliment the efforts of both the Federal and State Governments by providing relief materials to those affected by this unfortunate disaster and boats will be provided soon to ease the stress commuters face on a daily basis”.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has been commended for its transparent execution of reforms in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and sustained development agenda in the Niger Delta region.
The commendation came from Engr. Clement Akuabia, a marine engineer and youth leader in Ughelli South – Delta State, residing in Ahoada. Akuabia, was reacting to reports of an on- the-spot assessment of damaged portions of the East-west road from ravaging flood, by the Acting MD/CEO, NDDC, Engr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua and a team of engineers on Wednesday.
According to Akuabia, the rapid response by MNDA and NDDC show that federal government has indeed reorganized the interventionist agency to be alive to its responsibility in the region.
“Just last week, groups and individuals were calling on NDDC and NEMA to do something, today we see the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and the top brass NDDC on site to assess damaged portions of this road. This is a good development. In fact, it goes to show that reforms have come to the commission.
He also lauded federal government for doing the needful by bringing on board a fresh management team to run affairs of the commission, saying this brings hope that government is keen on following through its policy on sustainable development of the region.
“Some weeks ago we read the Minister of Niger Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, speaking about accountability and transparency in handling affairs of the commission. So far, there are key indicators to show that this administration means well for the region. Primarily, the posture of MNDA and NDDC has greatly improved towards stakeholders. Today, it is all about partnership and collaboration and inclusion.
“Also, the speedy response to calls by citizens. Recently, I read of an abandoned skills acquisition center in Akwa Ibom, which the ministry is taking up in order to complete and handover to the people. And, the minister promised the project will be completed before the end of this year.
“We have also witnessed the smooth change in baton at the commission. What is left to be seen are the publication of contracts and projects undertaken by the ministry and the commission”. He said.