NDDC Boss Emphasises Stakeholder Engagement As Key To Niger Delta Development

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has underscored the fundamental importance of stakeholder engagement in driving sustainable development within the Niger Delta region.

He made this assertion in a keynote address delivered at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Public Relations Week in Port Harcourt.

Dr. Ogbuku, represented by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, highlighted the significance of reputation management and the crucial role NIPR plays in upholding a positive national image.

He stressed that robust stakeholder collaboration is essential to ensure development projects effectively meet the needs of the people and contribute to the success of government initiatives, aligning with the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The theme of the NIPR Week, “Refocusing Stakeholder Engagement And Public Trust In A Challenging Economy,” directly resonates with the NDDC’s commitment to building public trust through transparent and collaborative engagement, according to Dr. Ogbuku.

“We realise that it is crucial to build trust with all partners to get their buy-in and win their confidence,” Dr. Ogbuku stated.

“In this respect, we have established processes to ensure that a new institutional culture, anchored in sound ethics and good corporate governance, is in place.”

He further elaborated on the measures the NDDC is taking to enhance its corporate governance structure.

“We are working with KPMG, a reputable global business consultancy, which has reviewed our processes to strengthen our corporate governance system.

We now have a robust Corporate Governance structure that fosters accountability and transparency, backed by a clear and measurable set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress toward goals.”

Dr. Ogbuku emphasized that this focus on collaboration aligns with the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritises engaging stakeholders in the development process.

“Through engagement, the NDDC aims to foster partnerships to leverage collective strengths, overcome challenges, and avoid working at cross-purposes,” he concluded.

Earlier in the ceremony, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the NIPR, Rev. Francis Asuk, emphasised the critical role of strategic communication in peacebuilding and governance.

“The time has come for our leaders, both in government and the private sector, to engage professional public relations practitioners in managing and communicating through sensitive issues,” Rev. Asuk stated.

“The expertise of PR professionals in stakeholder mapping, perception management, conflict resolution, and narrative framing can make a crucial difference in restoring confidence, bridging divides, and shaping a more stable and progressive Rivers State.”

Rev. Asuk lamented the erosion of public trust across Nigeria and globally, asserting that the expertise of PR professionals is now indispensable to rebuild confidence, restore truth, and facilitate transparent engagement that drives collective progress.