NDDC Marks 25 Years of Service, Reaffirms Commitment to Niger Delta Devt ~ Truth Reporters

 

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has marked its 25th anniversary with a renewed pledge to continue its mission of transforming the Niger Delta into a region of peace, progress, and prosperity. 

Speaking at a press conference in Asaba on Monday, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, described the milestone as a celebration of both achievement and promise.

Dr. Ogbuku noted that over the past two and a half decades, the NDDC has evolved from an interventionist agency formed during a period of unrest into a formidable institution delivering sustainable development across the nine mandate states. 

According to him, the Commission’s contributions have been instrumental in repositioning the Niger Delta from a zone of volatility to one of Nigeria’s most peaceful regions.

While reflecting on the progress made, Dr. Ogbuku lauded the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose Renewed Hope Agenda he said has laid a solid foundation for development, enabled strategic reforms, and accelerated the delivery of regional legacy projects. 

He said the current NDDC Board, led by Mr. Chiedu Ebie, has adopted a transformation-oriented approach marked by transparency, accountability, and strategic stakeholder engagement.

At the core of this new vision is a deliberate shift from transactional processes to transformational outcomes. Dr. Ogbuku emphasized that the Commission has embraced institutional reforms and a culture of ethical governance. 

In collaboration with KPMG, NDDC restructured its operations, restoring its 13 statutory directorates, establishing performance indicators, and embedding standard operating procedures. These efforts, he said, are repositioning the Commission as a development catalyst rather than a bureaucratic establishment.

Among the major accomplishments highlighted were the delivery of five flagship infrastructure projects within 10 days across five states in May 2024. These include the Obehie-Oke-Ikpe road in Abia State, the 27km Ogbia-Nembe road in Bayelsa, the Ibeno Bridge and connecting roads in Akwa Ibom, a dual-circuit 33KV power line in Ondo, and a 15MVA substation in Edo. These projects, Dr. Ogbuku noted, are emblematic of the Commission’s renewed focus on infrastructure that drives economic growth and connectivity.

In the healthcare sector, the NDDC has constructed modern primary healthcare centres and revived its free medical outreach programmes, which have already delivered over 20,000 surgeries and treated more than 45,000 patients. 

In education, the Commission has revitalized the foreign postgraduate scholarship programme and rehabilitated schools, while also distributing learning materials and devices such as U-Lesson tablets to over 45,000 students.

Dr. Ogbuku announced the transformation of the Youth Volunteer Programme into a 10,000-trainee internship initiative offering monthly stipends and skills acquisition under the Project HOPE scheme. He noted that this reorientation is aimed at empowering young people with practical tools to become self-reliant and productive.

In its drive toward sustainable energy and public safety, the Commission has deployed over 7,000 solar-powered streetlights across the region, reducing carbon emissions and boosting security in rural and urban areas. Similarly, agriculture and livelihood support programs have been expanded through partnerships with cassava farmers and the ITF Artisan Scheme, which aims to enhance productivity and job creation.

The NDDC’s commitment to collaborative governance has led to enhanced engagement with key stakeholders including the Presidency, Federal and State Governments, International Oil Companies, the World Bank, civil society groups, and traditional rulers. This approach has improved co-funding for community-focused projects and increased the impact of the Commission’s interventions.

In furtherance of its physical presence across the region, the Commission recently commissioned new state offices in Cross River, Bayelsa, and Delta states, as well as a multipurpose training centre in Bayelsa and a 7km road in Abraka, Delta State. 

According to Dr. Ogbuku, the NDDC’s stakeholder engagement efforts have been central to the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. High-level summits and budget conferences have created platforms for dialogue, policy alignment, and regional cooperation.

He also spoke on the Commission’s Public-Private Partnership strategy, referencing the PPP Summit held in Lagos which introduced the “Rewind to Rebirth” initiative—a blueprint to reshape the Commission’s relationship with the people of the Niger Delta. Innovations such as the Light Up the Niger Delta project, establishment of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, and the hosting of the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo were also cited as milestones in the Commission’s broader developmental scope.

On security, Dr. Ogbuku acknowledged that peace in the region is now a reality, thanks in part to the NDDC’s support to security agencies. The Commission has provided operational gunboats, vehicles, communication equipment, and housing for personnel to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace.

Dr. Ogbuku expressed optimism about the future of the Niger Delta,  acknowledging the long journey from the turmoil of the early 2000s to the relative calm of today, affirming that NDDC remains committed to delivering a brighter and more prosperous future for the people of the region. 

As the Commission celebrates its 25th anniversary, it sees this moment not only as a testament to its enduring relevance but as a renewed call to action for deeper transformation and development.