It is no more news that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) now has a new management with Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua as the acting Managing Director. The new development brings to the joyous end, the over 21 months tenure of Efiong Akwa, as the sole administrator of the interventionist agency.
However, while celebrating amidst pomp, a new era in sight, there is need to ponder and reflect on the enormous task before the acting MD of NDDC as well as the soon to be inaugurated management board of the NDDC.
While it is true that the agency was set up in 2000 by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo with the mission of facilitating the rapid, even and sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful, the NDDC is generally believed to have consistently failed to perform, and as such, had not lived up to expectations in the fulfillment of its mandate, over two decades since its establishment.
The Commission was setup to improve the lives and environment of the ordinary citizens of the Niger Delta region but what is seen today is poverty, degraded environment and nonexisting infrastructure. No responsible government will continue to watch a commission such as NDDC to remain a conduit pipe for corrupt government officials and politicians to syphon monies meant for developmental projects.
Therefore, President Buhari deserves huge commendation for acting in good faith and in the interest of the good people of the Niger Delta region since inception of his administration. Mr President has shown in action that what affects the region affect him, and that is why his actions have received massive support from everyone including even the opposition PDP.
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However, there will be no better time to strive hard to make a significant difference in the actualization of the core mandate of the commission than now. Changing the sad stories associated with NDDC will surely pave way for the overall development of the oil-rich region.
Pundits expect the soon to be announced and inaugurated board to, as a matter of urgency, key into the roadmap for a new era in the ministry and the NDDC as the only master plan approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.
It is a welcome development that the supervising ministry has decided to toe the line of collaboration and partnership with critical stakeholders, this is would offer all the nine governors of the Niger Delta statesa chance to have a say in the activities of the commission, in their various states. Kudos must be given to the Umana led Niger Delta Ministry for ensuring that this policy thrust becomes a reality. Niger Deltans believe this collaboration will help curb duplication of projects by state governments and the agency in the region. In fact, through this synergy, there will be a more judicious use of monies voted into the development of the region.
The new management is expected to be responsive to the yearnings of the people of Niger Delta. They must see their appointments as a life time opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the ordinary people of the region and write their names in gold for posterity and not an opportunity to take their own slice of the proverbial national cake or short term benefits. They must keep their eyes on the goal, rememebring that history will judge every action they take.
In keeping with Mr. President’s change agenda and global best practices, they have to audit their systems, processes, projects and staff. The new management must be transparent so that they can get more support from stakeholders and engage the attention of International Development partners.
Before I forget, they have to engage constantly with stakeholders in the grassroots through town hall meetings and ensure that all organs of the Commission are activated and are functional. They must commit to transparently removing all impediments to the effective delivery on the mandate of NDDC and build strong systems and processes.
Taking cognizance of the fact that this is the very last board under the administration of President Buhari, their attitude, policies and programmes must reflect the values of the government. Oh yes, it is imperative that they should live up to the assignment entrusted to them.
- Ilems writes from Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital.