July 13, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the significance of the Niger Delta region to Nigeria’s economic prosperity, describing it as “the goose that lays the golden egg”.
This is even as he tasked the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to develop the region.
President Tinubu stated this on Saturday in Port Harcourt, at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President said his administration’s legacy project, the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, will serve as a viable alternative to the East-West Road.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, quoted him as saying that the flagship infrastructure project “will foster trade and connectivity across the region while opening up new investment prospects in the hydrocarbon belt and spurring the growth of eco-tourism and blue economy-based industries in the region.”
He directed the Board and Management of the Commission to complete and deliver abandoned critical projects.
“I have also directed the Board and Management of the Commission, through the Minister of Regional Development, to complete and deliver abandoned critical projects, including the Kaa-Ataba Bridge, Okrika-Borokiri Bridge, Bonny Ring Road, Gbaregolo Roads and Bridges, and the East-West Sampou Roads and Bridges, among several others.”
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was established in 2000 by the Nigerian government to facilitate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Tinubu commended the NDDC leadership for their efforts to improve the Commission’s service delivery and encouraged them to sustain the momentum and continue working towards enhancing the region’s development.
“Beyond infrastructural development, the NDDC must continue to prioritise human capital development, as it remains the primary index of progress. Projects and programmes that directly impact the lives of ordinary people in rural communities must be prioritised. In this regard, I commend the Board and Management for the “Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative, which has not only reduced night crimes and enhanced security but has also extended trading hours and improved social life across the region.
“I also urge you to place special emphasis on empowering the youth and women of the region. The NDDC must constructively engage the youth, steering them away from violence and militancy towards entrepreneurship and other legitimate means of self-development. This administration prioritises youth development, and I encourage the NDDC to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth Development to leverage the various initiatives available.
“Furthermore, there can be no sustainable development without peace, security of lives and property, and adherence to the rule of law. The NDDC must continue to work towards sustaining peace in the region”, he said.
President Tinubu emphasised the importance of agriculture in the Niger Delta, noting the region’s vast potential beyond oil and gas. He encouraged the NDDC to invest in agricultural initiatives that would unlock and maximise the region’s agrarian resources for the benefit of both the region and the country.
While congratulating the Commission on the silver anniversary, he called on the people of the Niger Delta to continue to support his administration’s programmes and policies.
On his part, Senate President Godswill Akpabio revealed that the current NDDC Board inherited 14,700 abandoned projects, blaming leadership instability and mismanagement. He assured that steps are being taken to ensure project completion and tenure stability.
Also, former President, Goodluck Jonathan, condemned frequent leadership changes at the NDDC, stating that inconsistent governance hampers project execution. He also warned against awarding contracts without secured funding.
WTO Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, noted that despite receiving N7 trillion in funding and initiating 15,000 projects, the NDDC’s impact remains low, with only 35% project completion and poor human development indices.
Speaking at the occasion, Rivers Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, highlighted the state’s strategic partnership with the NDDC, citing interventions in road construction, rural electrification, water supply, and health projects.
“As host to the NDDC headquarters and a principal stakeholder, Rivers State cherishes this partnership. We must now deepen collaboration to avoid duplication, maximise impact, and ensure our people truly benefit from deployed resources”, Ibas said.
He urged the NDDC to expand support for sports facilities, skill acquisition programmes, and the blue economy, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“By harnessing the blue economy, the Niger Delta can catalyse over half of Nigeria’s $1 trillion economic target. We must shift focus from just roads and bridges to sustainable ventures that drive prosperity”, he added.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, outlined the Commission’s achievements, including the revival of abandoned projects like the 27km Ogbia-Nembe Road and the resolution of staff promotion delays.
“Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are committed to transforming the Niger Delta into a hub of sustainable development”, Ogbuku stated.
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