Minister of Niger Delta Development Inaugurates New NDDC Board *Urged them to focus on performance

 By Inegbagha Majesty

The Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh has enjoined the new Governing Board of the Niger Development Commission (NDDC) to focus on performance.

From Left to Right, the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Governing Board, Mr. Chinedu Ebie, Chief (Dr) Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NDDC and Others taking their Oath of Office.

Engr. Momoh who gave the charge while inaugurating the board in Abuja on Thursday, challenged the new Board to change the narratives around the Commission, stressing that they should have on their fingertips the Eight-point Presidential Priorities that would guide the board in its development strides of the Niger Delta region.

The minister said: “The inauguration of the board means that we have accepted to be part of the ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to that very extent, we need to be conversant with the Eight (8) Presidential Priorities ranging from Food Security, Ending of Poverty in Inclusivity, Job Creation, Anti-corruption stance, Rule of Law and others. To that extent you are expected to work towards delivery on those areas.

“We are also aware that there has been a lot of complaints about the NDDC and I want to use this opportunity to appeal and also direct that this time around, we need to change the narrative. We cannot continue to do the same thing the same way and expect that we are going to achieve a different result.

“Collectively, therefore, we must be committed on how the zone can be transformed.”

The former lawmaker advised the board to reconsider the issue of abandoned projects and see how local contractors who are owed below N30 million could be considered for payment after ascertaining the completion of work done.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, in his opening remarks reminded the newly-appointed board members of the importance of the region. He urged them to bring to fore their wealth of experience and expertise, as well as dedication in working harmoniously with the ministry and other stakeholders to achieve socio-economic prosperity in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of the president.

He explained that the current administration has a template to measure performance.

In his response, the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Governing Board, Mr. Chinedu Ebie has stressed the need for collaboration with all stakeholders in driving the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for Nigeria and the Niger Delta region in particular.

 Mr. Ebie said that the Commission would achieve more when there is collaboration and harmony in the development process.

He stated: “To maintain focus on our development efforts, the Board will honour and collaborate with critical stakeholders in the region. We will execute legacy projects based on detailed needs assessment. Furthermore, we will seek strategic collaborations and partnerships with opinion leaders, community leaders, professionals and development partners to leverage constructive and attainable outlooks.

The NDDC Chairman remarked that effective communication with key stakeholders was paramount in the discharge of the Commission’s duties, noting that it would foster trust, restore transparency and promote accountability.

Ebie affirmed: “The Board will stand on the pedestal of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope mantra. We will look back at the vision and history of NDDC’s 23-year existential journey, aligning it with current realities and the objectives of the current administration.

“In tandem with the Presidency, National Assembly and Ministry of Niger Delta Development, we will take coordinated steps to come up with plans that will systematically guide our actions and efforts in actualizing our mandate.

The NDDC Board Chairman expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for considering it worthy to appoint them.