Niger Delta: NDDC Calls For Unity In Pursuit Of Inclusive Development, SDGs

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has made a compelling call to action, calling all stakeholders in the Niger Delta area to band together and address the complex challenges confronting their communities.

Ogbuku made this statement at the Commission’s offices in Port Harcourt, where he received a group from the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) on a solidarity visit.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer highlighted the fundamental idea of inclusivity, emphasising the Commission’s commitment to promoting sustainable development across all communities in the Niger Delta region’s nine states.

He stated, “NDDC is for the nine states of the Niger Delta region, which means I am here to work for the nine states of the region.” We all face the same issues in the Niger Delta region, regardless of ethnicity. As a result, we must all work together to address our problems.”

He said: “All Niger Deltans must be accommodating and work in harmony to drive the process of development for the well-being of our people. I was not appointed to look back or shift blame. I was appointed to look forward to fixing the problems in the region.”

This inclusiveness promise is not only regional but also corresponds with the global ambition of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ogbuku emphasised that, regardless of ethnicity, the people of the Niger Delta face common concerns, like underdevelopment and environmental issues, which he said the Commission was better prepared to address than ever before.

“Regardless of our ethnicity, we are all related, and we face common challenges,” he emphasised. These difficulties, such as underdevelopment and environmental issues, bring us all together.”

Ogbuku announced the Commission’s adoption of a robust Public-Private Partnership, (PPP), and plan to fund key projects in order to speed progress and solve the region’s ongoing underdevelopment. This strategy comprises working together with corporate organisations and state governments in the Niger Delta region.

“We are actively engaged in solar power projects to contribute to the fight against climate change,” he explained. Our goal is to use solar energy to electrify every town while also attempting to recover carbon credits through our projects.”

Ogbuku emphasised strategic partnerships, announcing critical collaborations with key stakeholders such as Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, Limited, aimed at regenerating critical projects such as the Bonny Ring Road, Okrika-Borokiri Road, and Sampou-Sabagrigha-Ulako Road and Bridge projects. These projects, which focus on infrastructure development and environmental sustainability, are in line with the SDGs.

He said: “Recently, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, and through that partnership, we intend to revive the Bonny Ring Road project which was stalled for many years.

“The Okrika-Borokiri Road and Bridge project is also being revived in partnership with the Rivers State Government. Similarly, in Bayelsa State, we are partnering with the Bayelsa State Government on the Sampou-Sabagrigha-Ulako Road and Bridge project.”

Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, President of the Ijaw Youth Council, hailed the NDDC’s progress under Dr. Ogbuku’s leadership in an earlier address.

He went on to say: “The NDDC may not have reached where it is supposed to be but the NDDC is far from where it used to be.”

He complimented the NDDC Managing Director on his reappointment to the Commission’s Board and praised his outstanding leadership.

Lokpobiri urged the Federal Government to meet its financial responsibilities to the NDDC, citing the Commission as the key driver of long-term development in the Niger Delta region.