NDDC To Support Security Agencies In Securing Waterways, Boosting Blue Economy

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has pledged the Commission’s continued support for security agencies to secure waterways and foster the growth of the blue economy in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 2025 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, Dr. Ogbuku emphasised the crucial role of the blue economy for the future of the Niger Delta region.

“The blue economy is central to the future of the Niger Delta,” Dr. Ogbuku stated. “It will strengthen our economy, reduce youth unemployment, improve food security, and support climate change adaptation efforts.”

Dr. Ogbuku, leading a team from the Commission that included the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, noted that the national policy on marine and blue economy requires the sustained support of security agencies to succeed.

According to the Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, he stressed the need for collaboration to maintain peace and security in the Niger Delta, as development hinges on a stable environment.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the peace and development of the Niger Delta region, and he has directed us to embark on legacy projects that will stand the test of time and impact lives,” Dr. Ogbuku affirmed. “We cannot achieve this without peace.”

“The NDDC will continue collaborating with security agencies to ensure sustainable peace that will usher in development.

“The security forces have made immense sacrifices to ensure the region’s safety, and we will complement their efforts by executing impactful legacy projects,” he added.

Highlighting past support, Dr. Ogbuku stated, “We have consistently supported military formations and security agencies, and we are committed to doing more.

” Last year, we provided significant assistance to the Nigerian Navy, the Army, and the Police. Our contributions are aimed at enhancing their capabilities and supporting their vital work.”

The Managing Director emphasised the Commission’s ongoing engagement with stakeholders to promote harmony and cooperation in the development of the Niger Delta region.

Reflecting on NDDC’s achievements over the past 25 years, he acknowledged that frequent changes in management and boards have hindered progress.

“For us at NDDC, we are targeting legacy projects. Our mandate is to complete critical projects and intervene in areas of critical need because they are our responsibility,” he clarified.

Dr. Ogbuku asserted that the current Board and Management are dedicated to achieving President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the development of the Niger Delta region.

He also highlighted the positive impact of the “Light Up the Niger Delta” campaign, noting its success in reducing crime and boosting commercial activities in participating communities.

“We decided to adopt the clean energy approach, which not only provides light but helps in the fight to mitigate the effects of climate change on our environment and earn carbon credits for the Commission,” he added.

Addressing the NBA members, Dr. Ogbuku outlined the progress of the Commission’s youth development and empowerment schemes, including the creation of a comprehensive database of young people in the Niger Delta.

“We have also inaugurated the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA), which, in partnership with the Bank of Industry, will provide a platform for supporting young entrepreneurs in the region on a sustainable basis,” he explained.

Contributing to the discussion, Mr. Chudi Offodile, an Executive Director at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), praised NDDC’s collaborative approach to maintaining peace in the maritime environment.

“The Niger Delta region provides an estimated 75 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings,” Mr. Offodile stated.

“Most of Nigeria’s maritime domain and international coastline outside of Lagos are located within the Gulf of Guinea, along the coast of the Niger Delta, making this region critical to the development of Nigeria’s blue economy.”