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  • Why development in Niger Delta is slow, by NDDC board

    Why development in Niger Delta is slow, by NDDC board

    Frequent changes in the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have been responsible for the slow pace of development in the oil-rich region, it was learnt yesterday.

    This was contained in a communique issued at the end of a two-day NDDC Board and Management Retreat with the theme: “Renewed hope: A new era for vitality, peace and development”.

    It (communique) was signed by the Chairman, Governing Board of NDDC, Mr. Chiedu Ebie and the Managing Director of NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku and made available to our correspondent in Uyo.

    The NDDC urged the Federal Government to sustain the current governing board of the commission to ensure adequate project execution and delivery.

    It called for collaboration among the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, state governments of in the region, the NDDC and development partners to further boost the development of the region.

    The communique reads: “A reviewed and updated Niger Delta Regional Developmental Masterplan remains a crucial framework for guiding and implementing development initiatives in the Niger Delta, as there can be no sustainable development without developmental plans.

    “The frequent changes in the governing board of the Commission have largely accounted for the challenges in project execution and delivery in the development of the region.

    “Thus, the Federal Government should ensure that the current Board completes its tenure and that there is continuity in succeeding Boards to ensure sustainability of the Commission’s projects.

    “There is need for proper synergy, collaboration and coordinating framework between the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, State Governments in the regions, the NDDC and development partners.

    “That procurement is at the heart of governance and one of the government activities most vulnerable to corruption.

    Read Also: NDDC signs performance bond as Ogbuku seeks removal of commission from TSA

    “Therefore, the Board and Management of the NDDC must effectively discharge their responsibility to manage the Procurement process involving all stakeholders, without sacrificing the core objectives as provided under the Procurement Act.

    “There is the need for the urgent release of all outstanding statutory contributions of the Federal Government to the NDDC fund, as the non-release of these funds has significantly hampered the ability of the Commission to deliver on its mandate.

    “In view of the peculiar construction window of the Niger Delta region, there is the need for some form of financial autonomy for the NDDC outside the Treasury Single Account (TSA) regime.

    “This is as part of the process of getting the Commission take advantage of traditional credit sources in completing its projects and deliver real impact and sustainable development to the long suffering people of the region.”

    The communique urged the board and management to acquaint themselves with relevant rules, in order to effectively discharge the responsibilities imposed under extant laws.

    The communique which mandated the Managing Director of NDDC to take responsibility for all the procurements processes, stressed that such procurements must follow extant rules and laws.

  • NDDC supports growth plan

    NDDC supports growth plan

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is advancing its strategy of  increased engagement and partnerships to support growth by  aligning and expanding resources for conflict prevention and stabilisation.

    Its Acting Director, Conflict Resolution, Goddy Ogedengbe Ayewumi, during a three-day capacity building retreat on Communal Dispute and Peaceful Resolution in Lagos, said the  commission’s strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability represents a long-term commitment to building the political and economic resilience of partner communities by making strategic investments in prevention to mitigate the underlying vulnerabilities that can lead to conflict and violence.

    He said the Commission seeks to boost its staff capacity to prevent and respond to chronic violence and conflict; and support growth.

    According to him, NDDC is pursuing an integrated approach to security in support of the government initiatives and aligning its efforts with the plans  to mitigate conflict risks and vulnerabilities and strengthening social cohesion.

     Ayewumi affirmed the commitment of NDDC personnel to promoting communal harmony and peaceful coexistence across the communities in the Niger Delta. The retreat, according to him, was a demonstration of the commitment of the Managing Director / Chief Executive, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to sustain the peace and stability in the Niger Delta region which is an important precondition for development.

    Declaring the retreat open, the representative of the MD/CEO and the Special Assistant, Legal, NDDC, Mr. Ochu Chukwuma urged members of the Department of Conflict Resolution and the strategic NDDC staff to make effective use of additional knowledge and skills acquired to consolidate on the peace process across communities in the Niger Delta region.

    Read Also: NDDC signs performance bond as Ogbuku seeks removal of commission from TSA

    The retreat with the theme: “Communal dispute in the Niger Delta Region: The role of NDDC staff in promoting peaceful resolution”, facilitated by Development Projects (PEDEP) featured presentations on subthemes: “Peace as a Multi-Stakeholder Enterprise” by Mr. Jide Ojo of OJA Development Consult; “Communication and Interpersonal Conflict Management-Interpersonal Self-Awareness: A Power Perspective” by Director, Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), University Of Lagos, Prof. Abigail Odozi Ogwezzy; “The Niger Delta and the Imperative of multi-track diplomacy’ by Dr. Tunde Akanni of the Department of Mass Communication, Lagos State University (LASU) and “Goal setting agenda for conflict management and dispute resolution at the community level” by Osaze Lanre Nosaze, the Director, Projectworks of Xtrimedia and Francis Abayomi, the Director, PEDEP.

    The Director of PEDEP, Francis Abayomi, reiterated the imperative of requisite knowledge and skills for personnel charged with responsibilities of implementing the intervention mandate of the NDDC.

    He commended the commission for prioritizing capacity building for personnel of the Department of Dispute and Conflict Resolution which elaborately speaks to the proactiveness of the current leadership of the NDDC.  A few of the observations during the workshop were that conflict is a permanent feature of human societies. Also, appropriate and timely response to conflict engenders peace and development.

    The workshop called for conscious efforts to foster better understanding amongst stakeholders in the community.  

  • NDDC signs performance bond as Ogbuku seeks removal of commission from TSA

    NDDC signs performance bond as Ogbuku seeks removal of commission from TSA

    Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) has signed a performance bond with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, as part of its commitment to achieving the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The Minister of the Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, was said to have supervised the signing ceremony during a two-day NDDC Board and Management Retreat at Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

    A statement signed at the weekend by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and the executive directors signed on behalf of the NDDC.

    Ogbuku had while speaking at the event advocated the removal of the commission from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as one of the ways of addressing the financial framework for effective service delivery.

    The minister mandated the NDDC to review and update the Niger Delta Regional Developmental Master Plan, saying it was a crucial framework for guiding and implementing development initiatives in the Niger Delta.

    Momoh challenged the NDDC Board and Management to change the narrative against the commission, noting that President Tinubu’s administration had established a template to measure performance of all agencies of the government.

    He said the performance bond signed by the NDDC Board and Management had deliverables that were associated with the eight presidential priorities of the Federal Government.

    The minister advised the Board to focus on completing ongoing projects across the nine states of the Niger Delta.

    He also urged the board to offset the commission’s debt to its contractors, especially the local contractors, whose bills were less than N30million.

    A communique issued at the end of the NDDC Board and Management Retreat underlined the need for strategic communication of the value added by the NDDC to its stakeholders, to change the negative perception about the commission.

    It said the retreat had set a strategic direction for the NDDC Governing Board and inspired the desire to consolidate Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda within the Niger Delta.

    Participants hailed the NDDC Board and Management for the full-scale engagement of key stakeholders that the retreat presented, saying it was the first time former chairmen and managing directors of the commission were invited to be part of the commission’s Board and Management retreat.

    The communique said: “The frequent changes in the Governing Board of the commission have largely accounted for the challenges in project execution and delivery in the development of the region. Thus, the Federal Government should ensure that the current Board completes its tenure and that there is continuity in succeeding boards to ensure sustainability of the commission’s projects.

    “From the presentations, group discussions at the conference, it was agreed that there should be ‘proper synergy, collaboration and coordinating framework between the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, State Governments in the regions, the NDDC and development partners.

     “Procurement is at the heart of governance and one of the government activities most vulnerable to corruption. Therefore, the Board and Management of the NDDC must effectively discharge their responsibility to manage the Procurement process involving all stakeholders, without sacrificing the core objectives as provided under the Procurement Act.”

    The participants stressed the need for the urgent release of all outstanding statutory contributions of the Federal Government to the NDDC fund, as the non-release of the funds has significantly hampered the ability of the commission to deliver on its mandate.

    Read Also: NDDC signs performance bond as Ogbuku seeks removal of commission from TSA

    They observed that the peculiar construction window of the Niger Delta region made it imperative for the NDDC to get some form of financial autonomy outside the TSA regime.

    “This is as part of the process of getting the commission take advantage of traditional credit sources in completing its projects and deliver real impact and sustainable development to the long suffering people of the region”.

    Ogbuku said: “At present, we operate under the Treasury Single Account (TSA) framework.

    We recognise the importance of transparency and accountability, principles enshrined in the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy.

    “The impact of TSA on NDDC operations, like other agencies, includes improved financial management, increased oversight, budgetary discipline, and enhanced cash management. Centralizing revenue through TSA enhances transparency, facilitates government monitoring, enforces budgetary discipline, and streamlines cash management.

    “However, a one-size-fits-all approach poses challenges to our diverse operational landscape. Although it is good for transparency, accountability and efficient pooling of public resources, the TSA policy has weighty limitations for an interventionist agency like the NDDC.

    “Many landmark projects were brought to life before the TSA, utilising Advance Payment Guarantees to expedite delivery and ensure timely execution.

    “While we embrace the TSA’s transparency goals, its centralised control has undoubtedly created hurdles, particularly in maintaining project pace. The limited construction window further compounds these challenges. To truly deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda, we need to remove funding impediments.

    “Such removal will enhance Regional Development Needs; as the NDDC is tasked with addressing specific and urgent development needs in the Niger Delta region. Timely and flexible financial decision-making is crucial to respond effectively to dynamic regional challenges.”

  • Wasteful spending on NDDC retreat

    Wasteful spending on NDDC retreat

    SIR: In a recent development that ought to spark public outcry, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) held a retreat for its Board and Management in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. What caught the attention of many was the decision to broadcast the event live on AriseTv, thereby incurring significant expenses to broadcast the event live. The logistics involved in transporting live broadcast equipment and personnel to Ikot Ekpene would have incurred additional expenses, further exacerbating the overall cost of the retreat. This ostentatious display raises serious questions about the commission’s priorities and its commitment to serving the people of the Niger Delta.

     A gathering ostensibly meant for board members and management being televised live on private national television begs for scrutiny. Why would such an event, which should focus on strategic planning and addressing the region’s pressing issues, be broadcast to the public? The exorbitant cost incurred for this unnecessary spectacle could have been directed towards tangible initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of Niger Delta residents.

    I believe that this move represents a misallocation of resources, diverting funds away from projects and initiatives that could directly benefit the people of the Niger Delta. The millions spent on televising the retreat could have been channelled towards addressing the region’s pressing issues, such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.

    With the current level of severe hardship in this country, any reckless spending by government agencies is inexcusable. The approval of such expenses ought to be questioned by a serious National Assembly with its oversight functions.

    The true mandate of the NDDC is to facilitate the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by its inhabitants. The live telecast of the retreat serves as a stark reminder of the misplaced priorities that plague Nigeria’s public institutions. While the elite convene in opulent settings to engage in discussions that will be little forgotten by the participants, ordinary citizens continue to endure hardship and neglect, and the government in turn tells the ordinary citizens to endure. The disconnect between government officials and the people they are meant to serve could not be more apparent.

    Read Also: NDDC signs performance bond as Ogbuku seeks removal of commission from TSA

    It is time for prudence, accountability and objectivity to reign supreme within the NDDC and other government agencies. Taxpayers deserve to know how their hard-earned money is being utilized and should not tolerate wasteful spending on extravagant retreats and unnecessary broadcasts. Public funds must be spent with prudence.  The NDDC must refocus its efforts on delivering tangible results that improve the lives of Niger Delta residents.

     It is imperative for the NDDC, and other government agencies, to re-evaluate their priorities and ensure that every Naira spent aligns with the commission’s mandate and serves the best interests of the Niger Delta community. This includes exercising prudence and fiscal responsibility in all aspects of its operations, including the organization of retreats and other internal events. More important is the fact that there is a need for greater prudence and objectivity mechanisms to prevent wasteful spending and to ensure that public funds are used judiciously. This may involve instituting stricter guidelines for public spending strictly in line with the functions of the commission.  Ultimately, the NDDC must demonstrate a commitment to serving the people of the Niger Delta region effectively and responsibly. This requires prioritizing tangible development projects and initiatives that directly impact the lives of the region’s residents, rather than indulging in unnecessary expenditures that serve little purpose beyond optics and image laundry.

     As Nigerians continue to grapple with biting economic challenges, sky-rocketing inflation and social disparities, it is incumbent upon government agencies like the NDDC to lead by example and uphold the highest standards of accountability, prudence, objectivity and stewardship of public resources. Anything short of this undermines the trust and confidence of the people and detracts from the Commission’s noble mission of fostering sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

    • Opatola Victor, Victor@legalifyattorneys.com  
  • NDDC signs performance bond as Ogbuku seeks removal of commission from TSA

    NDDC signs performance bond as Ogbuku seeks removal of commission from TSA

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has signed a Performance Bond with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development as part of its commitment to achieving the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The Minister of the Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, was said to have supervised the signing ceremony during a two-day NDDC Board and Management Retreat at Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

    A statement signed at the weekend by the NDDC director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said the chairman of the NDDC governing board, Chiedu Ebie, the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and the executive directors signed on behalf of the NDDC.

    The minister mandated the NDDC to review and update the Niger Delta Regional Developmental Master Plan saying it was a crucial framework for guiding and implementing development initiatives in the Niger Delta.

    Momoh challenged the NDDC Board and Management to change the narrative against the commission, noting that President Tinubu’s administration had established a template to measure performance of all agencies of government.

    He said that the performance bond signed by the NDDC Board and Management had deliverables that were associated with the eight presidential priorities of the Federal Government.

    Read Also; UK minister, Kemi Badenoch arrives Nigeria for 3-day visit

    The minister charged the Board to focus on completing ongoing projects across the nine states of the Niger Delta region.

    He also urged the Board to offset the Commission’s debt to its contractors, especially the local contractors, whose bills were less than N30million.

    A communique issued at the end of the NDDC Board and Management Retreat underlined the need for strategic communication of the value added by the NDDC to its stakeholders, to change the negative perception about the commission.

    It said that the retreat had set a strategic direction for the NDDC Governing Board and inspired the desire to consolidate Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda within the Niger Delta region.

    Participants commended the NDDC Board and Management for the full-scale engagement of key stakeholders that the retreat presented, adding that it was the first-time former chairmen and managing directors of the commission were invited to be part of the commission’s Board and Management retreat.

    The communique declared: “The frequent changes in the Governing Board of the Commission have largely accounted for the challenges in project execution and delivery in the development of the region. Thus, the federal government should ensure that the current Board completes its tenure and that there is continuity in succeeding Boards to ensure sustainability of the Commission’s projects.”

    “From the presentations, group discussions at the conference, it was agreed that there should be “proper synergy, collaboration and coordinating framework between the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, State Governments in the regions, the NDDC and development partners.

    “Procurement is at the heart of governance and one of the government activities most vulnerable to corruption. Therefore, the Board and Management of the NDDC must effectively discharge their responsibility to manage the Procurement process involving all stakeholders, without sacrificing the core objectives as provided under the Procurement Act.

    The participants stressed the need for the urgent release of all outstanding statutory contributions of the Federal Government to the NDDC fund, as the non-release of the funds ha significantly hampered the ability of the commission to deliver on its mandate.

    They observed that the peculiar construction window of the Niger Delta region made it imperative for the NDDC to get some form of financial autonomy outside the Treasury Single Account (TSA) regime.

    “This is as part of the process of getting the Commission take advantage of traditional credit sources in completing its projects and deliver real impact and sustainable development to the long suffering people of the region.”

    Ogbuku had while speaking at the event advocated the removal of the commission from the TSA as one of the ways of addressing the financial framework for effective service delivery.

    He said: “At present, we operate under the Treasury Single Account (TSA) framework.
    We recognize the importance of transparency and accountability, principles enshrined in the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy.

    “The impact of TSA on NDDC operations, like other agencies, includes improved financial management, increased oversight, budgetary discipline, and enhanced cash management. Centralizing revenue through TSA enhances transparency, facilitates government monitoring, enforces budgetary discipline, and streamlines cash management.

    “However, a one-size-fits-all approach poses challenges to our diverse operational landscape. Although it is good for transparency, accountability and efficient pooling of public resources, the TSA policy has weighty limitations for an interventionist agency like the NDDC.

    “Many landmark projects were brought to life before the TSA, utilizing Advance Payment Guarantees to expedite delivery and ensure timely execution.

    “While we embrace the TSA’s transparency goals, its centralized control has undoubtedly created hurdles, particularly in maintaining project pace. The limited construction window further compounds these challenges. To truly deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda, we need to remove funding impediments.

    “Such removal will enhance Regional Development Needs; as the NDDC is tasked with addressing specific and urgent development needs in the Niger Delta region. Timely and flexible financial decision-making is crucial to respond effectively to dynamic regional challenges.”

  • Niger Delta Affairs Minister seeks implementation of NDDC forensic audit report

    Niger Delta Affairs Minister seeks implementation of NDDC forensic audit report

    Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Abubakar Momoh has tasked the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to work with the recommendations of the forensic audit report.

    Momoh said this during a-two day retreat holding in Uyo with the theme; “Renewed Hope: A New era for vitality, peace and development.” 

    He charged the new NDCC board and management to faithfully implement the recommendations of the report of the forensic audit in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

    Read Also: Ministry, NDDC to produce regional plan for Niger Delta — Minister

    The Minister also urged the board and management to constantly monitor and evaluate the performances of all contracts to ensure compliance with the scope and other details.

    He charged the board and management to make meaningful headway in chatting a roadmap for sustainable development of the region.

    “As you are all aware, the Forensic Audit had been concluded and its report submitted to Government.

    “While the White Paper on the report of the Forensic Audit is being awaited, some of its recommendations, are being implemented; an example is the constitution of a New Board for the Commission

    “The tasks before this New Board shall include a faithful implementation of the recommendations of the report of the Forensic Audit, in line with the President’s “Renewed Hope agenda

    “I want to remind us that if we must make any headway in chatting the desired roadmap for sustainable development of the region.

    “All hands must be on deck, with every courage it deserves, to tackle those factors that have constituted a clog in the wheel of development programmes and policies in the region.

    “It is expedient that I draw your attention to the need to constantly monitor and evaluate the performances of all contracts to ensure compliance with the scope and other details,” Momoh said. 

    Momoh also acknowledged the significant role being played by NDDC in  fostering development in region.

  • Ministry, NDDC to produce regional plan for Niger Delta — Minister

    Ministry, NDDC to produce regional plan for Niger Delta — Minister

    The Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, has disclosed that his ministry and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will work out a single regional development plan for the Niger Delta region.

    The minister said the move was following the decision of the Federal Government to harmonise all the development plans in the Niger Delta region for a more efficient and effective delivery of the programmes and projects of the commission and the ministry.

    He urged the NDDC to intensify its engagement with stakeholders in its efforts to develop the region.

    In a keynote address at the Two-Day Board and Management Retreat of the Niger Delta Development Commission in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Momoh said the collaboration and partnership were paramount for the success of the NDDC and the ministry.

    A statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said the retreat attracted members of the National Assembly, past chairmen and managing directors of the NDDC, directors from both the Ministry of Niger Delta Development and the NDDC.

    Momoh said:  “The harmonization of the existing development plans in the Niger Delta Region was one of the ten deliverables the president gave to the ministry for implementation in between 2024 and 2027.”

    The Minister urged the NDDC Board and Management to constantly monitor and supervise the projects of the commission to ensure that quality was maintained.

     “NDDC must insist on the delivery of quality jobs so that the Niger Delta region will get value for money expended on development projects,” he said.

    Read Also; Welcome to Gomorrah: Gombe’s sin city where women, beer are valued more than food

    Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, said that the gathering was a reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong desire to have the Niger Delta Region transformed into a zone of peace and development.

    He said: “Since our inauguration just over two months ago, as a highly accountable and proactive board, we have achieved progress. Together, we have worked to dispel the negative narratives that once plagued the Commission, aiming to make that a thing of the past.

    “Similarly, we have adopted a leadership style that aims to instill confidence in our people, prioritising their well-being through constructive collaboration and mutual respect. The objective of this retreat is to further align the board and management of the Commission with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Ebie said that the retreat would probe the purportedly settled answers about the development of the Niger Delta while attempting to proffer answers to unsettled questions.

    He said: “The retreat will afford us the opportunity to propose strategies for the re-introduction and reestablishment of coordinated development to its proper place in the Niger Delta discourse, design implementation of ideas and ideals that will remind members of the board and management that we are confronted with a larger responsibility of nation building.”

    He thanked the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for hosting the retreat and remarked; “as one of the home states of NDDC, we feel at home with the serenity and hospitality of Akwa Ibom.”

    In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, commended the Commission for organizing the retreat, noting that it was an opportunity to lay a solid foundation for the development of the Niger Delta region.

    He urged the NDDC to deploy technology in the delivery of its programmes and projects in the region.

  • NDDC, others move to grow $20m Niger Delta’s agro exports

    NDDC, others move to grow $20m Niger Delta’s agro exports

    As the Niger  Delta  agric sector  records impressive export turnover in excess of $20 million  yearly, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and others are taking measures to prevent the looming food crisis threatening the economy.

    Over $2 billion has been committed by NDDC and development partners into initiatives  to build peace and address the macro socio-economic issues in the Niger Delta region.

    Giving this assurance in Lagos while answering  questions during a capacity building  retreat for Department of Dispute and Conflict Resolution workshop, the Acting Director, Conflict and Dispute Resolution Department, NDDC, Godwin Ogedegbe, said the commission  is partnering state governments  within the region  ensure  food security under all circumstances, while boosting production and exports threats.

    He  explained that  as  most of the region’s population lives in rural areas, with a large  of people relying on agriculture, including forestry and fisheries, for their livelihoods, the Commission was determined to pursue  pragmatic conflict resolution approaches while  it continues with the  selection of projects and actions contribute its  strategic objective of making food and agriculture more productive and sustainable.

    He said the leadership  of NDDC is working with communities to enable an environment that will help to keep food  prices  at bayby preventing conflicts in the region that will  disrupts supplies from major production belts.

    According to him, the  commission is resolved in its determination to support farmers to boost agricultural production to combat food shortages.

    Read Also: NDDC, Niger Delta Minister intalks with IOCs on statutory funding

    He stressed that food security  is crucial to social  stability and peace, adding that it was one of the reasons the workshop held which focused on finding sustainable ways to improve conflicts management capabilities of staff of the commission.

    So far, he indicated that the efforts of the organisation had revolutionised farming practices, enhanced food security, and improved the socio-economic well-being of local communities.

    Executive Director, AU Development Consult Limited, Jide Ojo, stressed the importance of finding solutions to the escalating conflicts across the country.

    He said failure to address it could affect economic activities, including free movement of people, goods and services in the  region.

    He, threfore, said the workshop was aimed at identifying appropriate responses to address the ongoing challenges and work towards a positive transformation of the economy.

    Associate Professor, Department of Mass Communications, Lagos State University, Dr Tunde Akanni admitted that  challenges abound, but the principles of  media communications was one way to  deploy community engagement  to find sustainable solutions for the security and peaceful co-existence of the people. The workshop was held in partnership with the Peace and Development Project(PEDEP).

  • NDDC, Niger Delta Minister intalks with IOCs on statutory funding

    NDDC, Niger Delta Minister intalks with IOCs on statutory funding

    The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh have held crucial talks with the International Oil Companies (IOCs) on better ways to remit their statutory funds to the commission.

    During the meeting, Ogbuku also called for partnership with IOCs to deliver legacy projects in the Niger Delta.

    Speaking in Abuja at the meeting convened by Momoh with NDDC and Representatives of IOCs in attendance, Ogbuku urged the multinationals to consider embarking on more projects with the NDDC.

    The NDDC boss in a statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, explained that such collaborations would further speed up the development of various communities in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

    While appreciating the contributions made so far by the IOCs, Ogbuku said that delivering legacy projects in the region had become too expensive for any one organisation to handle and as such, required collaborative efforts.

    Read Also: NDDC promises to revive rice mill in Rivers 

    He encouraged the IOCs to consider making their remittances in bulk as the quarterly payments did not allow for efficient planning and achievement of projects and programmes.

    “The way NDDC receives the money from IOCs makes it difficult for efficiency. The multinationals should find a way of remitting their statutory contributions in bulk”, he said.

    Ogbuku also appealed for partnership with the oil companies for the development of the communities in their operational areas and Niger Delta region at large.

    He cited the Ogbia-Nembe Road project, which was a partnership between Shell Petroleum Development Company and the NDDC, urging other oil companies operating in the region to emulate the initiative.

    In his opening remarks, the Minister, Niger Delta Development, enumerated the oversight function of the Ministry in bringing together all stakeholders in delivering sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.

  • NDDC promises to revive rice mill in Rivers 

    NDDC promises to revive rice mill in Rivers 

    Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) has promised to revive its 180 tonnes per day rice mill at Elele Alimini in Emohua Local Government of Rivers State, to boost food security in the region.

    The NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, who spoke during an inspection visit to the rice mill, described the suspension of production at the factory as disheartening.

    He said the rice mill was established as part of NDDC’s industrialisation strategies and hoped that when revived, it would create employment opportunities for youths.

    Antai said: “I thank NDDC for building the rice mill. It is a gigantic project, the biggest in the Niger Delta. We went into a partnership with the Elephant Group. Unfortunately, they stopped production in 2022.

    “We decided to visit the facility to know why they stopped production, and to also look for the possible ways of bringing it back to production.

    “The NDDC has to meet its mandate of food security in consonance with the drive of the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who is determined to create employment for the teeming youths of the region.”

    Read Also: Tinubu to University unions: prioritise dialogue to avoid frequent strikes

    Antai in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said it was comforting that most of the equipment at the facility were still intact and functional.

    He said: “With the briefing from the chief engineer of this facility, all the equipment are still functioning. What is left is for us to interface with the management of Elephant Group. In no time the MD and management will take a decision on how best to handle this facility and get it up and running”.

    Antai stressed the need to connect the rice mill to a dedicated power line from a power injection station to guarantee steady power supply to the facility and reduce cost of production.

    A technical employee of the Elephant Group, Uchechi Emejuru, had lamented that the mill was running on 500 KVA, rather than 800 KVA power supply suitable for its operations.