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  • NDDC sets up committee to verify projects ahead of digital payment transition

    NDDC sets up committee to verify projects ahead of digital payment transition

    The management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), led by Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has inaugurated a project verification and payment committee.

    According to a statement issued by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the decision formed part of the resolutions adopted at the 9th meeting of the commission’s 7th Governing Board.

    The committee has been mandated to verify all infrastructure, electrification, desilting, environmental, and water projects to ensure their proper capture on the commission’s digitised platform managed by the Directorate of Finance and Accounts.

    The NDDC noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s directive requiring all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to fully digitalise their operations and operate paperless systems by December 31, 2025.

    The statement said, “It was therefore imperative for the NDDC Management to conduct a comprehensive verification of all completed projects to capture the necessary information in the Commission’s Directorate of Finance and Accounts’ electronic database for payment purposes.

    “The Project Verification and Payment Committee would undertake a comprehensive verification of all completed projects in the region from inception to January 2023, to capture them in the Digitised database of the Directorate of Finance and Accounts for E-payments. 

    “The projects to be verified include infrastructural, electrification, environmental, desilting, and water supply projects.”

    The statement named members of the committee as the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, Chairman; the Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, member; the Director of Legal Services, Mr. Victor Arenyeka, Secretary; the Director of Project Monitoring Service, Engr. Gbenga Omowanle, member; Director Finance and Administration, Mrs Kunemofa Asu, member; and the Director Internal Audit, Mr. Lucky Ogbuji, member.

  • NDDC vows to complete reclamation, road projects in Rivers

    NDDC vows to complete reclamation, road projects in Rivers

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has vowed to complete the sand-filling and reclamation project in Okochiri, Okrika Local Government Area, and the 4.5-kilometre Nonwa-Uedeme-Ogu Road linking Tai and Ogu-Bolo Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

    Speaking during an inspection of the projects, the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, reiterated the commission’s resolve to ensure that all ongoing projects across the region were completed and inaugurated for the benefit of the people.

    Iyaye, in a statement signed by NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the Okochiri reclamation project and noted that it would help the community gain more land for economic activities.

    He said, “We are here in Okochiri to monitor and appraise the performance of the contractor working for us. We felt the need to assess the project’s progress to ensure timely completion.”

    Iyaye said the reclamation project was significant to the Okochiri people because it had increased their land space, noting that it had helped to boost the Okochiri International Beach Festival and Carnival, which, according to him, “promotes peace amongst the people.”

    Earlier, during a courtesy visit to the Amayanabo of Okochiri, King Ateke Tom, at his palace, the NDDC Executive Director remarked that the commission had tremendous respect for the traditional institution.

    He told the monarch that he was in Okochiri to inspect the Commission’s ongoing projects in the area and ensure they were completed on schedule.

    Iyaye said, “For us to succeed, we believe that we need the cooperation of everybody. We need the cooperation of the traditional institutions, the state governments, and the youth.”

    Responding, King Ateke Tom commended the NDDC for executing impactful projects in his domain, especially for the sand-filling and reclamation project.

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    He observed that the projects would enhance the economic development of the Okochiri kingdom.

    Briefing the NDDC Executive Director on the project, the contractor, Dr Jude Moroh, commended the Commission for undertaking the project, noting that the area, which had previously been a mangrove swamp, had been sand-filled.

    Also speaking at the reclamation site, the Secretary of Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Zone, Mr Tamunokuro Dango, said the Okochiri people were happy with the progress of work at the beachfront.

    He said, “We are delighted because this project has enhanced our economic and social activities, improving the lives of our people.”

    Inspecting the Nonwa-Uedeme-Ogu Road, Alabo Boma Iyaye assured that the NDDC, under the leadership of the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, was actively working to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    He said that as an intervention agency, the NDDC would endeavour to leave its footprints in communities within the NDDC mandate states, working in collaboration with the state governments.

    The contractor for the road project, Hon. Deinma Iyalla, affirmed that the NDDC had transformed the area by linking various communities through good roads. He assured that the first phase of the project would be completed by the end of January.

    The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, also inspected ongoing work on the 1,500-seater Ogu Civic Centre and the Ogu Community Pavilion in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.

  • NDDC defends N1.75tr 2025 budget

    NDDC defends N1.75tr 2025 budget

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has defended a budget estimate of N1.75 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year before the Senate Committee on the commission.

    The Senate Committee is chaired by Asuquo Ekpenyong, while the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC is chaired by Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.

    Presenting the budget proposals at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the 2025 budget, named: “Budget of Consolidation,” was designed to build on the gains of the 2024 budget of Renewed Hope and to reflect the commission’s deliberate shift from transactional to transformational development, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Ogbuku expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the current NDDC Management, as well as the Supervising Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, for his strategic guidance.

    In a statement by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the managing director also applauded the leadership and members of the 10th National Assembly, particularly the Senate and House Committees on NDDC, for their constructive oversight and partnership.

    He noted that the growing credibility and improved public perception of the commission were the result of synergy among the NDDC board and mevelopment, and the National Assembly, stressing that legislative oversight remained a partnership anchored in accountability, transparency, and measurable impact.

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    Ogbuku said the 2025 estimate represented a nine per cent reduction from the N1.985 trillion proposed and appropriated for the 2024 fiscal year.

    He told the Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong-led committee that the proposed N1.75 trillion budget was expected to be funded from multiple sources, including N776.5 billion from the Federal Government; N752.8 billion from oil companies; N109.4 billion in revenue brought forward from 2024; N53.67 billion in recoveries from Federal Government agencies; and N8.35 billion in internally generated revenue (IGR).

    A breakdown of the budget proposal showed that N1.631 trillion was earmarked for project execution across the Niger Delta region, while N223 billion was allocated to internal projects.

    Personnel Cost was put at N47.56 billion, with N49.929 billion set aside for overhead expenditure.

    Assessing the performance of the 2024 budget, Ogbuku informed the committee that as of October 31, 2025, the commission’s actual revenue stood at N1.985 trillion, exceeding the initial target of N1.911 trillion

    The managing director attributed the improved revenue performance largely to the extension of the 2024 budget implementation to December 31, 2025.

    He also announced that the commission had abandoned line-item budgeting in favour of sectoral allocations, a move aimed at reducing project delays and improving efficiency.

    Following the presentation, the committee held a closed-door session with the NDDC management to review both the budget proposal and the status of ongoing and completed projects across the Niger Delta region.

    Ekpenyong said the Senate Committee would embark on an extensive oversight tour of NDDC projects in the nine Niger Delta states this month.

    According to him, the committee critically examined reports on ongoing and completed projects during the closed session and resolved to verify claims through physical inspection.

    “At the closed-door session, critical looks were taken at ongoing and completed projects by the commission, and the committee resolved to carry out an extensive oversight tour across the nine Niger Delta states in January next year,” Ekpenyong said.

    The committee chairman noted that while NDDC recorded significant project delivery in the outgoing fiscal year, expectations remained high for improved performance in the coming year, particularly in ensuring value for money and timely completion of projects.

    The House of Representatives Committee on the NDDC stated that the commission’s proposed N1.75 trillion 2025 budget must translate into tangible development outcomes for communities across the Niger Delta region.

    Ibori-Suenu warned that lawmakers would not treat the proposal as a routine legislative exercise.

    The committee chairperson said the budget represented renewed hope and opportunity for millions of people in the oil-producing region.

    “It must, therefore, be people-centred, transparent, and strictly aligned with national development priorities,” she said.

    Applauding the commission’s ongoing reform efforts, the committee Chair stressed that legislative support would be tied strictly to performance and verifiable results on the ground.

  • NDDC defends N1.75 Trillion 2025 budget before National Assembly

    NDDC defends N1.75 Trillion 2025 budget before National Assembly

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has defended its N1.75 trillion budget estimate for the 2025 fiscal year before the Senate Committee on NDDC, chaired by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, led by Hon. Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake.

    Presenting the proposals at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku said the 2025 budget, themed “Budget of Consolidation,” builds on the gains of the 2024 Budget of Renewed Hope and reflects the commission’s shift from transactional to transformational development, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Ogbuku expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence in the current NDDC management and to the Supervising Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, for his strategic guidance. He also commended the 10th National Assembly, particularly the Senate and House Committees on NDDC, for their constructive oversight and partnership.

    He noted that the commission’s growing credibility and improved public perception result from the synergy between the NDDC Board and Management, the Ministry of Regional Development, and the National Assembly, stressing that legislative oversight remains anchored in accountability, transparency, and measurable impact.

    The 2025 estimate represents a nine per cent reduction from the N1.985 trillion proposed and appropriated for 2024. According to Ogbuku, the N1.75 trillion budget is expected to be funded from multiple sources: N776.5 billion from the federal government, N752.8 billion from oil companies, N109.4 billion carried forward from 2024, N53.67 billion in recoveries from federal agencies, and N8.35 billion in internally generated revenue.

    A breakdown of the proposal shows N1.631 trillion earmarked for project execution across the Niger Delta region, with N223 billion allocated to internal projects. Personnel costs are projected at N47.56 billion, while N49.929 billion is set aside for overhead expenditure.

    On the performance of the 2024 budget, Ogbuku informed the committee that as of October 31, 2025, the commission’s actual revenue stood at N1.985trn exceeding the initial target of N1.911trn

    He attributed the improved revenue performance largely to the extension of the 2024 budget implementation to December 31, 2025.

    The Managing Director also disclosed that the commission had abandoned line-item budgeting in favour of sectoral allocations, a move aimed at reducing project delays and improving efficiency.

    Following the presentation, the committee held a closed-door session with the NDDC management to review both the budget proposal and the status of ongoing and completed projects across the Niger Delta.

    The Chairman of the committee, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, said the Senate Committee would embark on an extensive oversight tour of NDDC projects in the nine Niger Delta states in January 2026.

    According to him, the committee critically examined reports on ongoing and completed projects during the closed session and resolved to verify claims through physical inspection.

    “At the closed-door session, critical looks were taken at ongoing and completed projects by the commission, and the committee resolved to carry out an extensive oversight tour across the nine Niger Delta states in January next year,” Ekpenyong said.

    He added that while NDDC recorded significant project delivery in the outgoing fiscal year, expectations remained high for improved performance in the coming year, particularly in ensuring value for money and timely completion of projects.

    The House of Representatives Committee on the NDDC stated that the Commission’s proposed N1.75trn 2025 budget must translate into tangible development outcomes for communities across the Niger Delta.

    Chairman of the Committee,  Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, gave the assurance during the NDDC’s budget defence session, warning that lawmakers would not treat the proposal as a routine legislative exercise.

    According to her, the budget represents renewed hope and opportunity for millions of people in the oil-producing region. “It must, therefore, be people-centred, transparent, and strictly aligned with national development priorities.

    While commending the Commission’s ongoing reform efforts, the Committee Chair noted that legislative support would be tied strictly to performance and verifiable results on the ground.

  • NDDC budget must deliver real impact for Niger Delta people – Ibori-Suenu

    NDDC budget must deliver real impact for Niger Delta people – Ibori-Suenu

    The House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has insisted that the Commission’s proposed N1.75 trillion 2025 budget must translate into tangible development outcomes for communities across the Niger Delta.

    Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, gave the assurance on Tuesday during the NDDC’s budget defence session at the National Assembly, warning that lawmakers would not treat the proposal as a routine legislative exercise.

    According to her, the budget represents renewed hope and opportunity for millions of people in the oil-producing region and must therefore be people-centred, transparent, and strictly aligned with national development priorities.

    “The NDDC budget represents hope, opportunity, and the promise of a better quality of life for our people,” Ibori-Suenu said. “Every line item must be purposeful and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda. This Committee will insist on accountability, transparency, and value for money.”

    She stressed that the House would subject the 2025 budget to rigorous scrutiny to ensure it delivers measurable outcomes in critical areas such as infrastructure development, human capacity building, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion.

    While commending the Commission’s ongoing reform efforts, the Committee Chair noted that legislative support would be tied strictly to performance and verifiable results on the ground.

    “The people of the Niger Delta deserve projects they can see, use, and benefit from,” she said, pledging sustained legislative oversight to ensure effective implementation of the budget.

    Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Mr. Samuel Ogbuku, presented the Commission’s N1.75 trillion 2025 budget proposal, themed “Budget of Consolidation.” He described it as a shift from transactional governance to a results-driven and transformational development approach.

    Ogbuku explained that the proposed budget reflects the reform agenda of the current management and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He added that the Commission adopted a no-borrowing strategy, resulting in a nine per cent reduction from the 2024 budget.

    According to him, personnel costs were estimated at N47.5 billion, overheads at N96.4 billion, while capital expenditure remains the core focus of the proposal.

    The Managing Director also disclosed that the Commission had abandoned line-item budgeting in favour of sectoral allocations, a move aimed at reducing project delays and improving efficiency.

    Reviewing the Commission’s 2024 performance, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC exceeded its revenue projections, recording N1.945 trillion in actual revenue against a projected N1.911 trillion.

    The session ended with assurances from both lawmakers and the Commission’s management to deepen collaboration towards delivering sustainable development and inclusive growth across the Niger Delta region.

  • NDDC budget must meet aspiration of Niger Delta people, says Reps Committee

    NDDC budget must meet aspiration of Niger Delta people, says Reps Committee

    The House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said the budget of the commission must address longstanding developmental gaps, foster sustainable growth, and ensure that no community is left behind.

    Speaking at the budget defence of the NDDC, the committee’s chairman, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, said the commission’s budget is the principal vehicle through which the Federal Government delivers meaningful development to the people of the Niger Delta.

    He said: “For our communities, this budget represents hope, opportunity, and the promise of a better quality of life.

    “As a committee, we recognise that our duty goes beyond mere approval; it is our responsibility to subject this budget to rigorous scrutiny to ensure that every allocation translates into tangible outcomes for the people, particularly in infrastructure development, human capacity development, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion.

    “It is important to clearly state that the 2025 NDDC budget will not be business as usual. Every line item must be purposeful, people-centred, and strategically aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “This budget must speak directly to the aspirations of the Niger Delta people by addressing longstanding developmental gaps, fostering sustainable growth, and ensuring that no community is left behind.

    “In line with this commitment, the House Committee on NDDC will continue to offer its unwavering and constructive support to the commission, while also demanding accountability, transparency, and value for money in the execution of approved projects and programmes.”

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    NDDC’s Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku said the commission had moved from being transactional to transformational.

    He said: “In this practicality of transformation, we thought it has to be all encompassing, from areas of youth training, areas of supporting our entrepreneurs, areas of Infrastructure and development.

    “In line with the promise of the present Management to make the 2025 Budget participatory, which is evident in why we are here, has been to give the Niger Delta region a new dawn of progress and development.”

    Assessing the 2024 NDDC budget, Ogbuku said: “An aggregate revenue of N1.911 trillion was projected to fund the 2024 budget ‘Budget of Renewed Hope’. This comprises the overhead costs of N76.77 billion and the capital cost of N1.820 trillion.

    “As of October 31, 2025, the commission’s actual revenue stood at N1.945 trillion, exceeding the target of N1.911 trillion for April 2024 – September 2025 by 104 per cent. This was largely due to the extension of the 2024 budget to December 31, 2025.

    “Due to extension of the capital budget, the performance of the overhead budget is shown in the above table for both 2024 and 2005 fiscal years.

    “For the 2025 budget, our main goal is to strengthen our foundation for sustainable economic growth, marking a snl from transactional to transformational approaches. A key focus is sectoral funding allocation, moving away from line-item budgeting that hindered contractors from resuming projects.

    “The 2025 budget, themed: ‘Budget of Consolidation’, proposes N1.75 trillion based on revenue assumptions. This represents a 9% decrease from 2024, driven by a no-borrowing approach.

    “The proposed personnel budget estimates for 2025 personnel are N47.5 billion. We shall sustain our efforts in managing our overhead costs. Accordingly, overhead costs are projected at N96.4 billion.

    “Investing in critical infrastructure is a key component of our fiscal strategy under the 2025 budget proposals. The present management is renavigating its process of intervention by adopting Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model as a vehicle to drive sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.

    “Our fiscal reforms shall introduce new performance management frameworks to regulate the overhead cost. Accordingly, only activities that are tied to measurable programmes will be approved. We have moved away from the previous line item budgeting system to sectoral allocation of funds to encourage confidence.”

  • NDDC budget must meet aspiration of Niger Delta people, says Reps committee 

    NDDC budget must meet aspiration of Niger Delta people, says Reps committee 

    The House of Representatives committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) said on Tuesday that the budget of the commission must speak directly to the aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta by addressing longstanding developmental gaps, fostering sustainable growth, and ensuring that no community is left behind.

    Speaking at the budget defence of the NDDC, Chairman of the Committee Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu said the Commission’s  budget remains the principal vehicle through which the federal government delivers meaningful development to the people of the Niger Delta, saying “for our communities, this budget represents hope, opportunity, and the promise of a better quality of life. 

    “As a Committee, we recognise that our duty goes beyond mere approval; it is our responsibility to subject this budget to rigorous scrutiny to ensure that every allocation translates into tangible outcomes for the people particularly in infrastructure development, human capacity development, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion.

    Read Also: NDDC submits N1.75trn 2025 budget to Senate as lawmakers plan project inspection

    “It is important to clearly state that the 2025 NDDC Budget will not be business as usual. Every line item must be purposeful, people-centred, and strategically aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria. 

    “This budget must speak directly to the aspirations of the Niger Delta people by addressing longstanding developmental gaps, fostering sustainable growth, and ensuring that no community is left behind.

    “In line with this commitment, the House Committee on NDDC will continue to offer its unwavering and constructive support to the Commission, while also demanding accountability, transparency, and value for money in the execution of approved projects and programmes.”

    In his remarks, Managing Director of NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku said the Commission has moved from being transactional to transformational, and transformation is practical, saying “in this practicality of transformation, we thought it has to be all encompassing, from areas of youth training, areas of supporting our entrepreneurs, areas of Infrastructure and development. 

    “In line with the promise of the present Management to make the 2025 Budget participatory which is evident of why we are here has been to give the Niger Delta region, a new dawn of progress and development.

    Giving a review of the 2024 NDDC budget, he said “an aggregate revenue of N1.911 trillion naira wes projected to fund the 2024 Budget “Budget of Renewed Hope”. This comprise Overhead costs of N76.77 billion and Capital cost of N1.820 trillion.

    “As of October 31st, 2025, the Commission’s actual revenue stood at N1.945 trillion, exceeding the target of N1.911 trillion for April 2024 – September 2025 by 104%. This was largely due to the extension of the 2024 budget to December 31st, 2025. 

    “Due to extension of the capital budget, the performance of the overhead budget as shown in the above table for both 2024 and 2005 fiscal year. 

    “For the 2025 Budget, our main goal is to strengthen our foundation for sustainable economic growth, marking a snl from transactional to transformational approaches. A key focus is sectoral funding allocation, moving away from line-item budgeting that hindered contractors from resuming projects. 

    “The 2025 Budget, themed “Budget of Consolidation’, proposes N1.75 trillion based on revenue assumptions. This represents a 9% decrease from 2024, driven by  no-borrowing approach. 

    “The proposed personnel budget estimates for 2025 personnel is N47.5 Billion. We shall sustain our efforts in managing our overhead costs. Accordingly, Overhead costs are projected at N96.4 Billion. 

    “Investing in critical infrastructure is a key component of our fiscal strategy under the 2025 Budget Proposals. The present Management are renavigating its process of intervention by adopting Public-Private-Partnership model as a vehicle to drive a sustainable development in the Niger Delta Region. 

    “Our fiscal reforms shail introduce new performance management frameworks to regulate the overhead cost. Accordingly, only activities that are tied to measurable programmes will be approved. We have moved away from the previously line tem budgeting system to sectoral allocation of fund to encourage confident. 

  • NDDC submits N1.75trn 2025 budget to Senate as lawmakers plan project inspection

    NDDC submits N1.75trn 2025 budget to Senate as lawmakers plan project inspection

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has presented a proposed budget of N1.75 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year to the Senate, as lawmakers announced plans to conduct a physical assessment of projects executed by the commission between 2021 and 2024.

    The budget proposal was submitted on Tuesday to the Senate Committee on NDDC by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Mr Samuel Ogbuku.

    Ogbuku explained that the 2025 budget reflects a nine per cent reduction from the N1.985 trillion proposed and appropriated for the 2024 fiscal year.

    He said the proposed budget would be funded through N776.5 billion from the Federal Government, N752.8 billion from oil companies, N109.4 billion as revenue brought forward from 2024, N53.67 billion as recoveries from federal government agencies, and N8.35 billion as internally generated revenue.

    According to him, N1.631 trillion of the proposed budget is earmarked for project execution across the Niger Delta region, while N223 billion is allocated for internal project execution. He added that N47.56 billion has been proposed for personnel costs, with N49.929 billion set aside for overhead expenses.

    Reviewing the performance of the 2024 budget, Ogbuku told the committee, chaired by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), that as of October 31, 2025, the commission recorded actual revenue of N1.985 trillion, exceeding the target of N1.911 trillion.

    He attributed the improved revenue performance to the extension of the 2024 budget implementation to December 31, 2025.

    Following the presentation of both the 2024 budget performance report and the 2025 budget proposal, the committee held a closed-door session with the NDDC management.

    Speaking after the meeting, Senator Ekpenyong said the committee resolved to embark on an extensive oversight tour of ongoing and completed NDDC projects across the nine Niger Delta states in January 2026.

    He said lawmakers critically reviewed the commission’s projects and agreed on the need for on-the-spot verification to ensure value for money.

    “The NDDC has executed many projects in the outgoing fiscal year, and we expect even more impact in the coming year,” Ekpenyong said.

    Meanwhile, the committee observed a minute’s silence in honour of Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, a former chairman of the committee during the Ninth Senate, who died penultimate week. The gesture followed a motion moved by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) and seconded by the committee’s Vice Chairman, Senator Patrick Ndubueze (Imo North).

  • NDDC, partners launch comprehensive anti-drug crusade in Bayelsa

    NDDC, partners launch comprehensive anti-drug crusade in Bayelsa

    In an effort to tackle the mounting challenge of drug and substance abuse among the youths of Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in strategic collaboration with Maroil Nig Ltd, has embarked on a far-reaching, multi-dimensional sensitization campaign across the state.

    This campaign is in commemoration with the international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, amplifying the global call to action against the devastating consequences of substance misuse.

    Anchored by the powerful theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Chain, Say No to Drug Abuse,” the initiative seeks not simply to raise awareness but to instill lasting behavioral change and resilience among a vulnerable youth population grappling with the lure of drugs.

    Harnessing the strength of a broad coalition comprising the NDDC, Maroil Nig Ltd, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Police Force, and other critical stakeholders, the campaign kicked off with an energetic road walk.

    The march, spanning major landmarks from Ekeki park down to Igibim to onopka and other areas, served as a highly visible platform for disseminating compelling anti-drug messages to the public.

    Participants actively engaged community members through the distribution of educational flyers, visually impactful branded T-shirts, and caps, thereby fostering ongoing dialogues about the grave dangers of drug abuse and the societal costs it imposes.

    The lectors delivered incisive lectures highlighting the far-reaching consequences of drug dependency. These presentations underscored the devastating impact on mental health, physical well-being, academic progress, and the broader social fabric of communities, emphasizing that addiction is not an individual affliction but a collective menace.

    The experts emphasized that combating substance abuse demands a comprehensive, systemic strategy that cuts across the drug supply chain, from cultivation and trafficking to consumption. Integral to this approach is community involvement. They called on residents to remain vigilant, nurture open channels of communication, and actively partner with law enforcement agencies to identify and dismantle drug networks operating within their neighborhoods.

    School authorities warmly expressed their profound appreciation to the NDDC and Maroil Big Ltd, for championing this transformative endeavor. They heralded the campaign as a vital platform for equipping youths with the knowledge, confidence, and resolve needed to reject destructive behaviors and make empowered, life-affirming decisions.

    Importantly, this landmark campaign positions Bayelsa as beacon of hope and resilience across the Niger Delta region, fostering an environment ripe for sustained community engagement, enhanced drug education, and robust youth empowerment programs.

    The strategic alliance between the NDDC and Maroil Nig Ltd, stands as a sterling example of collaborative leadership harnessing expertise and grassroots mobilization to tackle complex societal challenges. Their partnership demonstrates that with unwavering commitment, targeted education, and holistic empowerment, a drug-free, thriving youth generation is an attainable goal.

    As the battle against drug abuse grows ever more urgent, this initiative resonates as a clarion call, affirming that through collective action, enlightenment, and intentional empowerment, we can safeguard the future of our youths and build stronger, more resilient communities.

  • Medical experts hail NDDC, SCAIIN for new lifeline to sickle cell patients

    Medical experts hail NDDC, SCAIIN for new lifeline to sickle cell patients

    Medical practitioners and health workers in Akwa Ibom State have applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative Ireland–Nigeria (SCAIIN) for their intervention for sickle patients.

    They described the gesture by NDDC and SCAIIN as a “renewed hope intervention”, saying it is timely and a relief to people who are vulnerable and overlooked.

    The commendations came at the weekend during a sickle cell health awareness and sensitisation programme held in Ikot Ekpene local government of the state.

    The participants described the initiative as a timely show of compassion, support, and responsibility toward a vulnerable population that often feels overlooked.

    A Consultant Family Physician and Medical Director of Ikot Ekpene General Hospital, Dr. Nene Francis Amdem, lauded the NDDC and SCAIIN for taking a frontline role in addressing the needs of sickle cell warriors.

    She said “This is a laudable initiative. Having sickle cell is very challenging, and families who have these warriors know how daunting it is to care for them. Many arrive at the hospital very ill and without adequate resources. By resources, I don’t mean only financial resources, I mean emotional and even spiritual.

    “This campaign will boost their morale. It shows that society has not abandoned them and that the NDDC genuinely cares. I urge other government agencies and organisations to follow this example and support families living with sickle cell.”

    Another medical practitioner, Dr. Ediomoabasi Inyang, called for the initiative to be sustained and expanded, stressing that genotype education remains one of the most effective tools in reducing the prevalence of the disease.

    “This programme should be held frequently and extended to the general public. The message must reach rural communities. Many people still do not understand the importance of genotype testing.

    “This intervention provides huge relief to patients and their families, especially with access to essential drugs. It also supports mental health, because sickle cell disease takes a toll not just on the body but on the emotional wellbeing of sufferers and caregivers.”

    President of the Sickle Cell Warriors’ Care and Healthy Living Foundation, Dr. Rhoda Peter Asuquo, described the NDDC as a “responsible organisation” for championing an issue she says remains deeply misunderstood.

    According to her “People think sickle cell cases are overflogged. They are not. With interventions like this, the condition can actually be prevented through awareness.

    “This is something we have prayed and clamoured for over the years. Sickle cell disease is chronic and requires continuous care. We truly hope this will not be a one-off.”

    Representing the Commission, the NDDC State Director, Engr. Evong Murdock, reaffirmed that the programme aligns fully with the agency’s mandate and the Federal Government’s development vision.

    “As part of the mandate of the NDDC, we must reach out to communities to ensure our people are healthy. This effort, led by our MD/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and the Board chaired by Barr. Chiedu Ebie, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ensuring development impacts are felt at the grassroots.

    “Our goal is to help you live a normal life. You may be a sickle cell carrier, but you are part of society. You deserve support, dignity, and healthy living”, he stated.

    Founder of SCAIIN, Esther Pepple Onolememen, also commended the NDDC for partnering to bring the outreach to families in need. 

    She described the programme as a fulfilment of the organisation’s mission to bridge gaps in awareness, care, and community support.

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    Onolememen noted that many families affected by sickle cell disease continue to battle stigma, misinformation, and limited access to quality care, challenges she said can be drastically reduced through consistent public education and institutional backing.

    “Our goal at SCAIIN has always been to ensure that no sickle cell warrior feels abandoned or uninformed. Awareness is still a major challenge in many communities, especially regarding genotype compatibility and preventive decisions.

    “This partnership with the NDDC is a major step toward saving lives, expanding education, and supporting families who have carried this burden alone for too long. We are committed to ensuring that this programme grows stronger and reaches more communities across the Niger Delta.”

    A cross-section of caregivers and sickle cell warriors at the event described the outreach as “deeply impactful,” praising the NDDC and its partners for bringing hope, essential medication, and renewed encouragement to families battling the condition.