NDDC Boss Dispels Rumours, Confirms 4-Year Tenure For Current Board

Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has dismissed recent speculation about the current Governing Board’s tenure, stating that members were appointed for four-year term.

Addressing a press conference at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku emphasised that his tenure as Managing Director would not end this year, as some reports suggested.

He clarified that under Section 4 of the NDDC Establishment Act, board members are appointed for a four-year term, with the option of renewing for another four years.

Ogbuku attributed the rumours to those who are dissatisfied with the Board’s commitment to carrying out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate in the Niger Delta region. He expressed concern that these individuals, motivated by self-interest, are attempting to stymie the Commission’s progress and restore it to a state of instability and underperformance.

Despite these challenges, Ogbuku assured the public that the Board and Management remain committed to “Transitioning from Transactions to Transformation”. He also emphasised that President Tinubu had reappointed him for another four-year term, demonstrating a strong commitment to delivering people-oriented projects and programmes in the region.

Looking ahead, Ogbuku outlined the Commission’s plans to speed up the completion of legacy projects in the upcoming 2024 budget.

This includes securing N1 trillion from development and commercial banks to fund projects such as regional roads, bridges, electricity, schools, hospitals, shore reclamation, and more.

Ogbuku also highlighted the Board’s recent initiatives, which included:

The Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit, which included youth groups and women, resulted in resolutions that will guide future actions. The summit communique will be presented to President Tinubu.

NDDC Healthcare Programme: The recent free medical outreach across nine states in the region was deemed successful, prompting plans for biannual events.

In response to a cholera outbreak, the Commission acquired and distributed 13 ambulances to regional hospitals, and it is currently working to secure additional ambulances and vaccines.

The Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Programme has benefited 2,323 students in the region. The initial funds for the 2024/2025 scholarship program have been released, and the Commission is considering offering local undergraduate scholarships as foreign education costs rise.

Ogbuku stated that the NDDC is now transparent and accountable, providing data and evidence for all projects and programs.

He expressed confidence that the current Board and Management are carrying out their mandate to bring positive change to the Niger Delta region.